NDP MLAs say funding will help grow local music industry in the Kootenays
NELSON – New Democrat MLAs Brittny Anderson and Katrine Conroy say that funding announced today will help B.C.-based musicians to develop their careers and grow the local music industry.
“Music festivals like Shambhala offer a unique experience and draw people from all over, which in turn supports our tourism sector and strengthens our local economy,” said Brittny Anderson, MLA for Nelson-Creston. “This funding will help ensure that incredible live music events can continue to be a part our summer here in the Kootenays.”
Over $3.3 million is being distributed to hundreds of artists and companies for career development, live music events, business development, industry initiatives, and attracting out-of-province talent to record in B.C.
“We have some amazing home-grown talent in the Kootenays, and I love seeing our local artists share their gifts across the province and even across the world,” said Katrine Conroy, MLA for Kootenay-West. “By supporting career development for musicians, we can ensure B.C. has a music industry we can be proud of for years to come.”
In the Kootenays, recipients include:
Career development stream:
· Jayli Wolf, $25,000 (Creston)
· Ru Rose, $8,000 (Slocan)
· Ben Fox, $8,000 (Castlegar)
Live music stream:
· Shambhala Music Festival, $32,000 (Salmo)
· Tiny Lights Festival, $18,000 (Ymir)
· Massif Music Festival Society, $13,000 (Nelson)
· Unicorn Music Festival, $10,000 (Salmo)
Music industry initiatives stream:
- BC Touring Council, Block Booking, Touring and Development, $30,000 (Nelson)
More than 200 musicians and music companies will benefit from this funding, which is part of the New Democrat government’s $7.5 million investment in 2023 to develop and support musician’s careers and promote the music industry here in B.C. This is one of the many ways the government is supporting creative industries and creative professionals in the province.
Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024TACS0004-000153