Provincial Press Release May 14, 2021 @ 9:32 am published 9:57 am
A $2-million grant program will help Alberta’s live music professionals through the pandemic and help venues find creative solutions to support musicians.
Alberta’s government is launching the Stabilize Live Music Grant program to help rebuild and reopen live experiences once public health guidelines allow. Grants of $1,500 will help musicians and other live music professionals prepare for a return to live performances. Grants up to $25,000 for for-profit music venues will support innovative projects to help Alberta’s music industry adapt and relaunch.
“The live music industry is critical to our quality of life and our economic recovery, and we need to maintain the sector’s viability in these uncertain times in order to see future growth. Once the province can reopen, there will be a pent-up demand for live music and we need to make sure the live music industry can meet that demand. This investment will allow Albertans to safely enjoy live performances and ensure our amazing artists return to the stage stronger than ever.” Leela Sharon Aheer, Minister of Culture, Multiculturalism and Status of Women
Alberta’s government is partnering with Alberta Music, which will administer the grant. Eligible live music professionals and businesses can apply through the association’s website, starting May 17, until all funds are awarded.
“Alberta Music is pleased to partner with the Government of Alberta to administer this grant program. This grant is intended to alleviate some of the financial hardships faced by the music sector, which has essentially been unable to function for the last 12-plus months. Musicians, music venues, sound engineers, producers and labels have all had their careers and businesses particularly hard hit by the pandemic. And while the road to recovery will be a long one, we hope that this initiative will be a shot in the arm for the industry, putting people back to work and money back in to the music economy.” Carly Klassen, executive director, Alberta Music
“This grant program is exactly what individual artists and live music professionals need in order to relaunch successfully. Music is what has helped many people through these trying times, and the ability to once again share the experience of live performance is truly critical for our collective well-being and future.” Joal Kamps, Alberta’s Artist in Residence
The $2 million comes from $15 million allocated to the Stabilize Program in Budget 2021. This investment will support programming that will allow venues and performers to get back to business as the province reopens. This includes online event bookings and ticket sales platforms.
Alberta’s government is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by protecting lives and livelihoods with precise measures to bend the curve, sustain small businesses and protect Alberta’s health-care system.
Quick facts
In a pre-pandemic survey for West Anthem, 39 per cent of people in Calgary and 45 per cent of people in Edmonton said they attend live music shows at least once a month.
In 2017, Alberta’s live music industry generated a direct economic output of $709 million and 5,440 jobs.
From 2010 to 2017, Alberta’s live music industry saw a 25 per cent growth.
Ninety-two per cent of Albertans indicate that the arts, culture, multiculturalism and sport are significant contributors to their quality of life.