Government announces increases to the Canada Music Fund

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 24th, 2024 (Halifax, Nova Scotia)

The Canadian Live Music Association (CLMA) thanks the Government of Canada for taking a first step today in announcing that it will deliver $32 million over the next two years (2024–25 and 2025–26) through the Canada Music Fund (CMF) to keep supporting initiatives that enhance the careers of Canadian artists, while strengthening the competitiveness and stability of the Canadian music sector.

“While there is no specific mention today of dedicated investment for independent live music venues, companies or festivals as we had hoped, additional support to the sector will increase opportunities for touring artists and that’s positive,” said Erin Benjamin, President & CEO of the CLMA. “We will continue to urge FACTOR and other agencies who deliver the CMF to directly prioritize live through this (and future) increased investment(s). We also hope the April budget will go further in addressing Canada’s live music infrastructure, to help ensure it can continue to do what it does best - putting incredible artists on stage, helping to build careers and develop audiences, while bringing remarkable live music to all Canadians. With live music venues and festivals on life support, the federal budget needs to deliver dedicated funding before we lose these institutions forever.

Live music venues and festivals are equal and essential parts of the music industry ecosystem, and they must be acknowledged for the pivotal role they play in increasing opportunities for artists, while creating jobs and economic impact, from coast to coast to coast. Today’s announcement is a good start. We hope to learn additional detail about how the government will continue to invest in the live music industry come budget time.”

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FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES

Victoria Lord

Victoria Lord PR & Communications

(647) 519-8577

victoria@vlpr.com