MLAs Dean, Lore, and Parmar say funding will help grow local music industry in Greater Victoria

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VICTORIA – MLAs Mitzi Dean, Grace Lore and Ravi Parmar say that funding announced today will help B.C.-based musicians to develop their careers and grow the local music industry.

“People in our community want to know that support is there for artists and creatives to share their passion,” said Mitzi Dean, MLA for Esquimalt-Metchosin. “This funding for musicians and events in the community will help support our local talent.”

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.

“Our community is lucky to have so many fantastic local musicians, and top-notch music events attracting musicians and fans from around the world,” said Grace Lore, MLA for Victoria-Beacon Hill. “These grants will help us continue to nurture and grow the musical talent and fanbase we have in Victoria.”

In Greater Victoria, recipients include:

Career development stream:

  • Cold Fame, $8,000 (Victoria)
  • Dana Sipos, $20,000 (Victoria)
  • David Parfit and Mark Junker, $8,000 (Victoria)
  • Gliiico, $25,000
  • Hillsboro, $8,0000 (Victoria)
  • JAXXEE, $7,500 (Langford)
  • JAYA, $8,000 (Victoria)
  • Kele Fleming, $8,000 (Victoria)
  • LIINKS, $8,000 (Victoria)
  • Niloo, $8,000 (Victoria)
  • Sail Cassady, $8,000 (Victoria)

Live music stream:

  • Voices in Circle: Amplifying Indigenous Cultural Voices, $18,000
  • Co[Lab], $10,000
  • Song and Surf Festival 2024, $10,000
  • The Function Festival, $20,000 (Esquimalt)
  • Phillips Backyard Concert Series, $20,000
  • Bands! Bands! Bands! (Local Live Music Support and Development), $18,600
  • TD Victoria International Jazz Fest “BC Stage”, $16,470
  • Sound and Backline Improvements 2024 – Victoria BC Ska & Reggae Society, $17,287.49

“As our region continues to grow, we must support the arts community and local homegrown talent,” said Ravi Parmar, MLA for Langford-Juan de Fuca. “Funding like this helps both up-and-coming and established local artists to keep creating.”

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.

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