Recent Federal Budget Cuts To Cultural Programs

Music BC Industry Association Denounces Federal Cuts to Cultural Programs

August 13, 2008 (Vancouver, BC) – Music BC Industry Association (Music BC) denounces the Federal government’s recent announcement to cut the ProMart (Arts Promotion) program administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT), and the Trade Routes Program run by the Department of Canadian Heritage.  Both of these major programs support Canadian musicians and music export companies and organizations. These cuts will have a hugely adverse effect on the BC music industry. These programs fund not only BC based programs, but also regional programs such as the Western Canadian Music Awards.

In the spring of 2008, Music BC carried out a hugely successful program funded primarily by the Trade Routes program. The association organized a trade mission of music supervisors to travel from Los Angeles to Vancouver in order to meet with artists and artist representatives. Music supervisors are the people responsible for placing pre-recorded music on film, television, video games and commercials. With the decline in recorded music sales in the traditional market, these placements have become critical in the development and sustaining of BC artists. Within one week of these high powered meetings we were able to announce the placement of two songs by Kelly Brock on the popular CSI television show. Kelly Brock was able to finance her recent tour with the funds secured from these licenses.  Since that time, artists and artist representatives have been reporting a brisk business of song placements. These relationships should continue to generate income for BC artists for years to come. The small investment of $10,000 by the Trade Routes program will undoubtedly generate well over $100,000 in licensing deals.

Bob D’Eith, Executive Director of Music BC states, “The present federal government is obviously not doing its research into the success of the programs that are being cut. In our experience the cultural export programs have been highly successful in generating international deals for export ready Canadian artists. In fact, the relatively small investment in these programs has lead to disproportionately large return on investment. Similar to the proposed censorship of Canadian film makers, these cuts and the comments surrounding such cuts represent an alarming ideological shift in the Canadian government. The public should be outraged.”

Music BC is a founding partner of the Western Canadian Music Awards, Conference and Festival. This alliance of western based music industry associations has been successfully showcasing Western Canada’s best emerging artists. A big part of this event, similar to the East Coast Music Awards, is the involvement of international delegates supported by Trade Routes funding. The impact of the participation of the international delegates cannot be overstated. These delegates have included the bookers for SXSW and the Glastonbury Festival (UK), promoters, labels, publishers and many others. Having these delegates in attendance has lead to many bookings internationally, distribution and licensing deals and music publishing deals. Cutting the Trade Routes program will lead to a sharp decline in the effect of the WCMA on western artist careers. While the Trade Routes investment in the WCMAs is not large, again the impact of the program has been dramatic.

With these cuts, the Federal Government will do damage to a large and very successful piece of the Western Canadian music industry.  Music BC is not ready to let that happen and is in the process of aligning a strategy with music industry associations and other cultural organizations across the country.

IRPA Response to Federal Budget Cuts to Cultural Programs
The Canadian Independent Record Production Association

TORONTO, ON (August 9, 2008) On Friday, August 8th, the Federal government announced cuts to two significant programs that support cultural exports:  the ProMart (Arts Promotion) program administered by DFAIT and the Trade Routes Program run by the Department of Canadian Heritage.  Both of these programs supported Canadian musicians and music export companies and organizations.

For the Canadian music industry particularly, these cuts cannot come at a worse time.   Canadian music companies are facing substantial losses of revenue due to unpaid and unauthorized downloading of their products.  Since 1999, income from the sale of recorded music has been halved. Canadian illegal downloading leads the world.  As a result, Canadian musicians are leaving the business, and their incomes are at, on average, poverty levels, according to a recent study by Dr. Douglas Hyatt of the Rotman School of Business at the University of Toronto.  The cultural investments made by multiple levels of government and the private sector in our business are at serious risk.

More and more, Canadian musicians and music companies are depending on export revenues through sales and live performances to survive.  Direct access to foreign markets is critical to stimulate new sales outside of Canada. Last year, the Canadian Independent Record Production Association successfully lead 21 companies to Japan on a single trip that resulted in 1.4 million dollars in export business immediately for Canadian firms. This is money that will be reinvested in developing new young talent in Canada. We need to make more of these ventures abroad, into new markets like China, South Asia and India. Funding for that trip was provided by two levels of government, and logistical support provided by the Canadian Embassy.

Overall, the Conference Board estimates that the cultural sector is valued at over $4 billion annually.  Much of the revenue from our cultural production comes from offshore sales.  This trend will continue as Canadian firms venture further into the global marketplace. Clearly, as the manufacturing sector declines, the cultural industries represent a good investment for the future and deserve public support – as much as any other industry.

Given this, some might say that the Federal Government’s cutting funds that assist our companies in accessing foreign markets is nothing more than a cynical political move designed to appease their core supporters on the eve of what may be an election. And the “pre-announcement” talking points apparently leaked to and published by the National Post on Friday, August 8th were insulting at best, and at worst, slandered some very accomplished Canadians.  Of course, we still don’t know who the authors are.  The morally censorious remarks directed at Canadian bands are inappropriate and offensive to those who believe that government should never use public funds to censor the arts. And in response to the National Post Editorial on Saturday, we should add that Mr. Alexander Mair’s trip to Helsinki was at the invitation of the Embassy in Finland and the cost was only partially funded by the Government, the remainder was at his own expense.

What is equally problematic here is that the recipients of these grants, be they Inuit carvers or Toronto rockers are being demonized for applying to, and receiving support, from a program developed, sanctioned and administered by the Government of Canada.  There was nothing underhanded or surreptitious in this. If the program was ill-conceived or poorly run, why not say so? Obviously it is easier to ridicule the recipients, rather than discuss the real issues.

Finally, the Government of Canada recently introduced new legislation to amend the copyright act to give our cultural industries the tools necessary to meet the challenge of an increasingly globalized cultural economy.  A few weeks later, they cut the very programs that abet access to these same markets.  In this case, politics trumps policy.

Music BC’s 2009 Compilation CD

Deadline: FRIDAY NOVEMBER 14th, 2008 at 5pm PST

• Click here to download the 2009 Music BC Compilation CD application form (PDF)
  

This program is open to all Music BC members who have commercially released an album, EP or single within the last 24 months. A jury selected by Music BC will determine which songs to include on the 2009 Music BC Compilation CD of BC artists.

Successful applicants will have one track included in the Music BC 2009 Compilation CD. This compilation will be made available at the MIDEM conference 2009, CMW, SXSW, JUNO Awards Events in Vancouver, and also available at various Canadian Consulates. The compilation will be available as a promotional CD only and not for sale. Applicants are advised that no royalties or mechanical licensing fees shall be payable for inclusion on this compilation. Applicants acknowledge that Music BC Industry Association may use the compilation CD to promote BC artists to international consulates, labels, Film/TV, publishers and other music industry companies.

BONUS: All artists selected for inclusion on the compilation CD will also have their song posted on www.musicfrombc.com which is Music BC’s streaming music site to promote music from BC artists that is ready for tv/film/video game placements. At the jury’s discretion, they may also recommend a selection of applicants who were not chosen for the CD to be included on www.musicfrombc.com.

• Music BC’s 2008 Compilation

Want to see who made it on last year’s compilation CD? Click here to see the list of talented BC artists.

Music Producer

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MITAP Deadline: Feb 13, 09 at 5pm

• What is MITAP (Music Industry Travel Assitance Program)?

Music BC also provides and facilitates funding opportunities that are open to the general public of British Columbia. MITAP is a travel funding program administered on behalf of the Province of BC, by Music BC that provides separate travel funding opportunities for ARTISTS and music industry BUSINESS purposes.

• Up-Coming Deadline: Friday February 13th, 2009 (5pm pst)

Complete applications must be received by Music BC by 5pm on the deadline date, not postmarked by. No fax or email MITAP applications will be accepted. No exceptions will be made under any circumstances.

For more information about MITAP and to apply, please visit the Music BC MITAP Page.

Music BC’s Annual General Meeting on October 8

You are invited to attend & participate in our Annual General Meeting to be held on:

Wednesday October 8th, 2008
@ Tom Lee Music Hall
3rd floor, 929 Granville St.
6-8pm

Learn what’s happening with Music BC and vote for new members of our Board of Directors. To ensure your voice is heard, please attend!

You must be a paid member of Music BC in order to attend and vote. You can renew or sign up for a new membership at the AGM. Please arrive early to give staff sufficient time to process your membership before the AGM starts.

If you are interested in running for the Music BC Board of Directors please email your bio to info@musicbc.org. You must be present at the AGM to be eligible to run.

• Music BC Board of Directors is strictly volunteer

• Must be available to attend monthly board meetings

• Must be employed full-time within the BC Music Industry

• Must feel that they can make a substantial contribution of their time and knowledge to the Music BC board of Directors.

Your attendance is very important to us. Please RSVP to ensure a seat. Email info@musicbc.org or call 604.873.1914 or 1.888.866.8570 toll free within BC.

In House Workshop: SOCAN 101 with Terry O’Brien

SOCAN 101 Speaker: Terry O’Brien – SOCAN Wednesday February 27th, 2008 5:30pm – 7pm @ the Music BC office #530 -425 Carrall St, Vancouver, BC

This Workshop is full. Anyone who is not pre-registered will be turned away at the door.

Date: 02/27/2008
Doors Open: 5:30pm
Location:Music BC office
Ticket Price: FREE for Music BC members, $25 for non-members
Contact: Music BC
URL: http://www.musicbc.org/lineup/feb2708.cfm

Vancouver is honored to host the 2009 Juno Awards

Music BC, the Vancouver Juno Awards Host Organization, has been working hard with the Vancouver Host Committee, the Mayor’s office, and the Province of BC, to bring this star-studded event to Vancouver. AND WE GOT IT!

UPDATE:

Music BC is now accepting applications for the 2009 Juno Awards Volunteer Coordinator/Administrative Assistant. Click here for the Job Description (PDF) – Please apply by Friday August, 1, 2008 by emailing info@musicbc.org.

No phone calls or faxes please.

6th Annual WCMA’s come to Edmonton

Thursday, July 31, 2008 – (Edmonton) The Western Canadian Music Awards (WCMAs) are flying into Edmonton. The WCMAs present an incredible opportunity to be a part of the western Canadian music community – which features some of the world’s most talented artists. Don’t miss this chance to meet the next wave of artists and the industry behind them. Music Industry professionals from across Canada and around the world will be converging in Edmonton for three amazing days of music and networking.

The WCMAs consist of an interactive three-day music Industry CONFERENCE, a three-day, multi-genre MUSIC FESTIVAL and two AWARDS SHOWS – the INDUSTRY AWARDS, to honour people behind the scenes and the WESTERN CANADIAN MUSIC AWARDS honouring the outstanding achievements of the regions’ recording artists.

The 6th Annual Western Canadian Music Awards will be held in Edmonton, AB – October 16th to October 19th, 2008, and promises to be an exciting event of national and international significance. Centrally located and close to all the festival venues The Coast Edmonton Plaza will be the host hotel, with all conference activities and the Industry Awards taking place there.

The Western Canadian Music Awards Gala will be held on Sunday, October 19th, 2008. Twenty-one awards will be handed out, celebrating the depth and talent of our western artists.

The WCMA Festival will feature 100 of western Canada’s best new artists representing a diverse range of genres including: urban, blues, country, and rock.  The WCMA Festival will take place at top music venues in downtown Edmonton.

As in past years, the WCMA awards will be an online and publicly voted process. The WCMA web site will also provide details about the event, including nominee and festival performer lists, band bios, photos and more.

With the ever-growing ranks of national and international successes, now more than at any time before, it is an advantage to be a part of the western Canadian music scene!

For media inquiries, please contact:

Aimée Hill, publicist, 780-289-6395

And the nominees for the 2008 Western Canadian Music Awards are…

Artistic Awards

Industry Awards

Agency of the Year
Graffitti Music    SK
Magnum Opus Management    YT
Paquin Entertainment    MB
PM Gigs Inc.    AB
S.L. Feldman & Assoc.    BC

Best Album Design
Glen Erickson (Township – The Wheat Pool)    AB
Jeff Sylvester (Horse Soldier! Horse Soldier! – Corb Lund)    AB
Jeff Sylvester (When We Were Spies – Ann Vriend)    AB
Michael Dangelmaier (The Gift, A Tribute to Ian Tyson    AB
Nick Perreault (In Transit – James Murdoch)                                        AB

Engineer of the Year
Bart McKay    SK
Dan Canfield    SK
Johnny Gasparic    AB
Mike Fraser    BC
Shawn Pierce    MB

Independent Record Label of the Year
Black Hen Music    BC
Boompa Records    BC
Mint Records    BC
Nettwerk Music Group    BC
Rockstar Music Corp.    BC
Stony Plain Records    AB

Live Music Venue of the Year
Amigos Cantina    SK
Starlite Room    AB
The Commodore Ballroom    BC
The Yale Hotel    BC
West End Cultural Centre    MB

Manager of the Year
Allen Moy    BC
Bruce Allen    BC
Chris Burke-Gaffney    MB
Gilles Paquin    MB
Louis O’Reilly    SK
Terry McBride    BC

Producer of the Year
Brandon Friesen    MB
Danny Patton    AB
David J. Taylor    SK
Jack Shapira    MB
Steve Dawson    BC
Vince Ditrich    BC

Talent Buyer of the Year
Dominic Lloyd, West End Cultural Centre    MB
Erik Hoffman    BC
Gilles Paquin, Paquin Entertainment    MB
Ian Low, Live Nation Canada    BC
Nhaelan McMillan, The Union    AB
Pat McGannon, PM Gigs    AB

Western Canadian Music Awards

Participating Festival Venues

Western Canadian Music Awards 2008 – Edmonton, AB

Event Schedule

Western Canadian Music Awards Funding Partners and Sponsors

2008

Premier Partners

Foundation to Assist Canadian Talent on Recordings (FACTOR)

Trade Routes (Department of Canadian Heritage)

Astral Media Radio

Galaxie – The Continuous Music Service

Pattison Broadcast Group

SOCAN

Big Rock Breweries

Contributing Partner

Alberta Foundation for the Arts

Alberta Lottery Fund

City of Edmonton

EPCOR

Industry Images

Manitoba Film and Sound

OIART

SOCAN Foundation

Songwriters Association of Canada

Media Partners

Canwest Media

CBC Radio 1, 2 & 3

CBC Television

Edmonton Journal

SEE Magazine (Edmonton)

Participating Members

Music Yukon

Manitoba Audio Recording Industry Association

Saskatchewan Recording Industry Association

Alberta Music

Music BC

Government Funding

Province of British Columbia

Province of Alberta

Province of Saskatchewan

Province of Manitoba

Yukon Territory

Government of Canada