What happened: The B.C. government and Creative BC have launched an online music and entertainment hub to showcase local artists and engage British Columbians at home.
Why it matters: The initiative will support the province’s music industry by issuing one-time grants to emerging and established artists.
B.C. has built a new stage for local artists to perform and engage with fans.
Showcase BC, created in partnership with Creative BC, will host its first free live-streamed concert next week. The platform will serve as an online hub for live performances, entertainment and content featuring B.C. artists.
"B.C.'s music industry responded swiftly by embracing opportunities to livestream and bring people together online. Today, we're stepping up to support their efforts,” said B.C. Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Lisa Beare in a news release issued Saturday.
Creative BC will also be issuing one-time grants of $500 for emerging artists and $2,000 for established artists to help musicians take part in Showcase BC. Funding will be offered to applicants of Creative BC’s existing Amplify BC program for live streaming, songwriting and professional development.
Details of the first Showcase BC concert will be released soon.
Many B.C. arts and cultural events and attractions have gone virtual as the spread of COVID-19 has cancelled concerts and closed venues around the world.
North Vancouver's Park Sound Studio is hosting the fourth instalment of its virtual concert series Saturday evening. Vancouver-based singer-songwriter Dan Mangan is hosting weekly one-hour concerts to raise funds for local charities. The Cinématique in Vancouver is running virtual film screenings.
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