July 21, 2021
Vancouver, BC – British Columbia’s music presenters have one final opportunity to access direct funding to support their live performance through SoundON, a province-wide campaign and funding mechanism that was created to provide desperately needed support to those deeply connected to the sector – including artists, presenters, production staff and venues.
SoundON was initially launched by Music BC during the summer of 2020 in response to the devastating financial impact of COVID-19. Through the program, successful applicants are awarded $5,000 to support the production of their live event and getting artists and crew back to doing what they do best – creating memorable live music experiences
“The intent of the program from the start was to support getting artists and crew back to work – and it has succeeded on all levels,” said Lindsay MacPherson, Executive Director of Music BC. “What started as an initial investment of $200,000 from Creative BC and the Province of British Columbia will exceed more than $1 million by the end of the current calendar year, but most importantly, these funds are having a direct and tangible impact on BC artists and their crews during a very difficult period.”
Two previous windows of opportunity have focused on virtual performances, but as the province moves through step-3 of the BC Restart Plan, SoundON is accepting in-person and hybrid events provided all current health order protocols are met.
“It was amazing to see how the music industry adapted during the pandemic and I’m proud our investment has supported artists, production crews and venues to sustain B.C.’s music industry while gathering was not possible,” said Bob D’Eith Parliamentary Secretary for Arts and Film. “As we have entered phase three of B.C.’s ReStart Plan, live music has returned and this program will continue to assist musicians to share their talents and inspire us all.”
“As we press forward in support of recovery for B.C.’s music industry, the level of strategic collaboration has never been higher – between industry leaders, the Province, and the network of industry professionals and companies themselves,” added Prem Gill, CEO of Creative BC. “This united focus inspires ongoing initiatives like SoundON, to sustain our connections and deliver supports toward a strong and steady comeback.”
Applications for presenters open TODAY and can be found at www.soundon.ca
The application window will remain open until August 8 – and will involve live performance activities taking place up until October 15. It is anticipated the fund will support more than 250 performers during this period.
To date, more than $450,000 in funding has been awarded to the following recipients: www.musicbc.org/soundon
Stay up to date with our announcements and upcoming events:
About SoundON
SoundON will help fund original content through a curated lens of festivals and presenters. Bringing together a coalition of public and private funders, media partners, philanthropic organizations and community supporters, SoundON.ca will spotlight incredible music from across BC, and bring people together to support a live music industry that has been deeply affected by the pandemic. SoundON is also in partnership with Music Heals, the Unison Benevolent Fund, and Charitable Impact and helps to give passionate advocates an opportunity to invest in the power of music during times of crisis.
SoundON is primarily made possible through an investment of over $1m from Amplify BC, through the Province of British Columbia and Creative BC, with additional support provided by corporate sponsors and the private sector.
SoundON would like to thank TELUS Communications Inc for their generous support of creators and the progression and preservation of music in British Columbia. TELUS Community Content works with livestreaming partners across Alberta and BC to bring hundreds of hours of programming to Optik TV and online.
