Through several arts initiatives, the Province has committed to providing millions of dollars in funding to musicians within BC looking to develop their careers, festivals and bringing in renowned artists from around the world to produce music here.
They do this in part through Creative BC.
On Wednesday, February 7th, the BC government announced the winners of this funding in the amount of $3.3 million.
“We are proud to be the third largest music hub in Canada. Our music sector promotes and showcases B.C. culture on the global stage,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport.
“Supporting BC’s artists and music businesses helps them continue to create the music we love and contributes to vibrant and connected communities throughout the province.”
Of that funding, $350,000 is being allocated to 21 projects that will bring in out-of-province and international musicians BC so they can record with BC producers and recording engineers.
Then, $1.4 million is going to festivals throughout the province, including some popular local events in Victoria such as the Phillips Backyard Music Series.
Creative BC is giving $400,000 to music industry development and showcasing BC talent worldwide.
And finally, 105 emerging BC artists will be receiving grant funding to develop their music careers by recording music, marketing endeavours or making music videos. Of the 105 chosen, 17 are from Vancouver Island.
Those lucky Vancouver Islanders and Gulf Islanders who will be able to make significant strides in their careers are:
- Liv Wade – Cobble Hill – received $8,000
- T. Nile – Galiano Island – received $8,000
- Imogen Moon – Galiano Island – received $8,000
- Savanna – Gillies Island – received $8,000
- JAXXEE – Langford – received $7,500
- Aaron Pritchett – Nanaimo – received $25,000
- Ms.PAN!K – Tofino – received $8,000
- Sail Cassady – Victoria – received $8,000
- Kele Fleming – Victoria – received $8,000
- Cold Fame – Victoria – received $8,000
- Gliiico – Victoria – received $25,000
- Niloo – Victoria – received $8,000
- JAYA – Victoria – received $8,000
- LIINKS – Victoria – received $8,000
- David Parfit and Marc Junker – Victoria – received $8,000
- Hillsboro – Victoria – received $8,000
- Dana Sipos – Victoria – received $20,000
In total, Vancouver Island and Gulf Islands artists got $181,500 in career development funding from the pot of $1.1 million awarded to artists in other regions of the province.
Do you know anyone on this list? Comment below who’s new music you will be most excited to hear!
