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B.C. government hands out over $2 million in live music grants

A handful of local music events and venues are getting a financial shot in the arm thanks to another round of grants from the Amplify BC Live Music Fund.

A handful of local music events and venues are getting a financial shot in the arm thanks to another round of grants from the Amplify BC Live Music Fund.

 Vancouver singer/songwriter Luca Fogale performed at Little Mountain Sound Studios Friday afternoon during the announcement of the latest round of grants from Amplify BC Live Music Fund. Fogale was a recipient of one of the grants last year through the career development program. Photo Dan ToulgoetVancouver singer/songwriter Luca Fogale performed at Little Mountain Sound Studios Friday afternoon during the announcement of the latest round of grants from Amplify BC Live Music Fund. Fogale was a recipient of one of the grants last year through the career development program. Photo Dan Toulgoet

“A wealth of musical talent and diversity thrives in our province, and the Amplify BC Live Music Fund is an excellent way for us to nurture the next generation of musicians,” Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture said at the Friday, Jan. 25 announcement hosted at Vancouver’s Little Mountain Sound Studios.

“These events will promote B.C. as a music destination while providing more opportunities for British Columbians to enjoy the live music scene.”

The grants range from $5,000 up to $125,000 for a total of $2.2 million going to 73 live music events, festivals and concerts across the province.

The provincial government established the $7.5-million Amplify BC fund in 2018. So far the program, which is administered by Creative BC, has helped 28 B.C. music companies expand and diversify through more than $900,000 in funding, along with more than $880,000 to assist with career development projects for 75 artists.

A number of Vancouver events, music companies and venues are receiving funds through the program, including: $75,000 for the Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival, $24,000 for Coastal Jazz and Blues Society for the Howe Street Stage at Downtown Jazz, $47,508 for the Create Vancouver Society for the park concert during Vancouver Mural Festival,$15,000 for Savage Production Society for an Indigenous music series, $43,810 for the Vancouver International Bhangra Celebration Society to expand its 5X Festival and $78,000 for Vancouver Symphony Orchestra’s concert at Sunset Beach.

“Amplify BC’s Live Music fund helps grow the sustainability of B.C.’s music industry with economic opportunities for musicians as well as jobs for live music companies and industry professionals,” said Prem Gill, CEO of Creative BC. “We’re thrilled to see how this funding is a springboard to increase the number and variety of live performances throughout B.C.”