Representing the British Columbia music industry, Music BC is a non-profit society dedicated to providing information, education, funding, advocacy, awareness and networking opportunities to nurture, develop and promote the spirit, growth, and sustainability of the BC Music community. Music BC (formerly known as The Pacific Music Industry Association or PMIA) has been in operation for over 20 years, serving the music industry of British Columbia. Music BC is the only provincial music association that serves all genres, all territories and all participants in the industry from artists, to managers, agents, broadcasters, recording studios, producers and all other industry professionals.
Music BC serves as the regional affiliate for FACTOR, and is a member of the Western Canadian Music Alliance which produces the Western Canadian Music Awards and BreakOut West Festival. Music BC is the voice of the BC Music industry provincially (lobbying for funding support, tax credits and creators rights), nationally (meeting with Minister of Heritage as part of the Council of Canadian Music Industry Associations, lobbying for sustained funding for the arts and copyright reform), internationally (representing BC artists at the world’s music trade shows such as MIDEM in Cannes, France, promoting BC talent through the Canadian consulates world-wide). We have previously participated in a joint federal/Provincial study of the BC Music Industry, which became the focal point of lobbying efforts.
Music BC provides education in many areas concerning the music business. We provide a Career Development Series (which has been a cornerstone program for Music BC), an e-Newsletter (which deals with many topical issues concerning the business), a resource library full of reference books, directories and trade magazines dealing with the music industry, and much more.
Music BC also provides networking opportunities for members of the music community – our “SchMusic BC” parties have become a very popular way for connecting different players in the industry.We also offer showcasing opportunities at Canadian Music Week in Toronto, with a showcase that has become one of the “must-see” events of the festival. These events are a perfect opportunity for showcasing BC artists, networking between all levels of industry professionals, to celebrate the successes of the music business and to provide education through the international conference.
Music BC helps to fund and support the development of BC artists. We also administer the MITAP Travel Assistance Program of behalf of the Province of British Columbia. Music BC also has developed its own Music Assistance Program which involves travel assistance, demonstration record recording, compilation CD promotion, licensing opportunities and other programs for our members.
