History & Background
- The History of Music BC
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 monthly 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.
Music BC 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 print a directory which is focused on the over 3000 BC music industry personnel. In addition, Music BC is a founding partner of the Western Canadian Music Awards, which will be taking place in Kelowna in 2010. 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. For a number of years, we have been the BC office for FACTOR – the Foundation to Assist Canadian Talent on Recordings (a Federal/Private foundation which awards over $13 mil per annum to the Canadian Music Industry). 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 opportunites and other programs for our members.
