Many musicians currently find themselves in a difficult financial spot due to coronavirus lockdowns, and the British Columbia government is looking to lighten the load by partnering with Creative BC to launch grants for livestreaming.
The government and Creative BC will be launching an online livestreaming hub called Showcase BC. This hub will host free online performances and will be providing one-time micro-grants of $500 to emerging acts and $2,000 to established artists. The money is to be used for livestreams, songwriting and professional development. Showcase BC's total budget is $750,000.
"Music has the power to lift us up and give us hope in times of crisis," said BC Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Lisa Beare. "BC's music industry responded swiftly by embracing opportunities to livestream and bring people together online. Today, we're stepping up to support their efforts."
There's a slight catch: grants will only be awarded to artists who have previously applied to (and were eligible for) Amplify BC, a provincial music fund previously launched in 2018. Applicants must also have been musically active within the last 12 months.
Creative BC CEO Prem Gill said, "This program is designed as a quick response by Creative BC to the immediate needs of artists across the province's music industry. It helps them create, stream and generate revenue, with Showcase BC bringing all of that dynamic content direct to our homes while we do our part to stay home, safe and connected."
Get the full details at the Showcase BC website, where fans will so be able to watch the upcoming livestream events. The lineup of upcoming livestream events is expected to be announced soon.
The government and Creative BC will be launching an online livestreaming hub called Showcase BC. This hub will host free online performances and will be providing one-time micro-grants of $500 to emerging acts and $2,000 to established artists. The money is to be used for livestreams, songwriting and professional development. Showcase BC's total budget is $750,000.
"Music has the power to lift us up and give us hope in times of crisis," said BC Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Lisa Beare. "BC's music industry responded swiftly by embracing opportunities to livestream and bring people together online. Today, we're stepping up to support their efforts."
There's a slight catch: grants will only be awarded to artists who have previously applied to (and were eligible for) Amplify BC, a provincial music fund previously launched in 2018. Applicants must also have been musically active within the last 12 months.
Creative BC CEO Prem Gill said, "This program is designed as a quick response by Creative BC to the immediate needs of artists across the province's music industry. It helps them create, stream and generate revenue, with Showcase BC bringing all of that dynamic content direct to our homes while we do our part to stay home, safe and connected."
Get the full details at the Showcase BC website, where fans will so be able to watch the upcoming livestream events. The lineup of upcoming livestream events is expected to be announced soon.
