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Province provides Amplify BC with COVID-19 funds
To help people in B.C.’s music industry continue to create and operate during the COVID-19 pandemic, the B.C. government is investing $7.5 million through Creative BC for Amplify BC.
“The important role that music plays in our culture and well-being has only been highlighted during this pandemic,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture. “Our government is stepping up to support people in the industry to continue creating music and bringing it to our homes.”
Amplify BC strengthens and supports B.C.’s music industry. The province’s music fund is delivered by Creative BC. The suite of programs will focus on relief, recovery and renewal for B.C. artists, live music presenters and music companies in four areas:
- Industry initiatives: supporting the development of B.C.’s music industry, including up-and-coming talent, training, business development, export and research;
- Career development: focusing on emerging and established artists;
- Live music: providing support for B.C.-based live music events and the businesses that run them;
- Music company development: focusing on innovation and supporting the sustainability of B.C.’s music companies.
In April and May, Bob D’Eith, MLA for Maple Ridge-Mission, led industry consultations on needed supports during the pandemic. The government and Creative BC made changes to the live music and music company development programs based on this feedback.
“I want to thank all of the business owners, organizations and artists that I’ve worked with over the past few weeks for their insight and passion,” D’Eith said. “Their creativity helped us collaborate on solutions. I’m confident that the measures we’re announcing today will help the sector move towards recovery.”
The B.C. government established Amplify BC in 2018 after consultations with the music industry. Creative BC also has established partnerships with Music BC and the First Peoples’ Cultural Council to design and deliver targeted funding through their respective activities. This is the third year in a row the B.C. government has invested in Amplify BC.
“Over the last two years, Amplify BC has played an essential role in galvanizing B.C.’s music industry around creation, collaboration and competitiveness. This year, renewed funding comes at a time when this hard-hit sector needs it most. This support will contribute to help businesses, companies and creators endure and adapt in challenging times,” said Prem Gill, CEO, Creative BC.
“This provincial investment is what we need right now. Amplify BC has been supporting our music ecosystem for the past two years and this renewal means ongoing support for studios, live venues, festivals and development for artists and companies. An investment now fosters the creativity and collaboration our industry needs as we work collectively on building a stronger future in the months ahead,” added Lindsay MacPherson, executive director, Music BC.
“We are thrilled the Amplify BC program will continue to uplift the careers of Indigenous music industry professionals in B.C. Our strong partnership with Creative BC honours the principles of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and reinforces FPCC’s capacity to deliver quality music programming, including professional development retreats and Indigifest, elevating the role of Indigenous music professionals within the industry,” said Tracey Herbert, CEO, First Peoples’ Cultural Council (FPCC).
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