The music industry is a vital part of Manitoba’s cultural heritage and its economy, and new funding support from the Manitoba government will help grow the industry, creating good jobs and new business opportunities. This announcement was made by Jobs and the Economy Minister Theresa Oswald.
“Some of the best in the music business have come from Manitoba and we continue to be known internationally for world-class music in all genres. From Bachman-Turner Overdrive, Chantal Kreviazuk, Fred Penner, to Sierra Noble, Imaginary Cities and the Crooked Brothers, the list goes on and on,” said Minister Oswald. “This new investment will help up-and-coming artists enhance their opportunities to make it on the big the stage and will continue to make our music scene even more vibrant.”
The Manitoba government is investing $462,000 in the Manitoba Music Industry Growth Project, focused on opening up new markets for Manitoba musicians and helping the industry stay competitive in the global marketplace.
The project will be led by Manitoba Music, a non-profit, member-based industry association that has been growing Manitoba’s music industry for the past 25 years. Manitoba Music represents over 750 members in all facets of the music industry including artists and bands, studios, agents, managers, songwriters, venues, promoters and producers.
“Manitoba is known internationally for producing groundbreaking artists and music companies,” said Sara Stasiuk, executive director, Manitoba Music. “We would like to thank the government for recognizing the value and impact of our province’s music industry and working with us to build a strong future. This investment will allow us to offer new programming to bolster the activity of our industry, build the capacity of our companies and ensure that Manitoba music continues to reach beyond our borders.”
Stasiuk noted Manitoba artists released 193 albums in 2013-14, and performed at 192 domestic and international showcases. Other highlights included nine Juno nominations for Manitoba artists and performances by over 70 local acts at the 2014 JUNOfest.
Over 4,000 artists and music entrepreneurs in Manitoba earn income working in music, Stasiuk noted. According to SoundCheck, an economic impact study commissioned by Manitoba Music and released in 2013, the music industry generated a total GDP impact of $71.3 million and an estimated $25 million in provincial and federal taxes, supporting the equivalent of 4,363 jobs.
In addition to this new funding, since 2001, the province has invested over $3 million to help Manitoban musicians under the Canada-Manitoba Economic Partnership Agreement, Minister Oswald added.
For more information on Manitoba Music, visit www.manitobamusic.com.
