Demo Recording

Q: How much funding can be received?

Demo Recording Funds up to 100% of admissible expenses, capped at $2000 per project.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Q: Is the Demo Recording a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Demo Recording is a Grant and Funding

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the Demo Recording?

Demo Recording is funded by Creative BC

Q: Who is eligible for the Demo Recording program?

To be eligible for the Demo Recording program, you must: • Applicants must be B.C.-based producers working with new and emerging artists from systemically excluded groups. • Producers must demonstrate experience in recording and releasing music. • Artists must have resided in B.C. for at least 200 of the 365 days immediately preceding the application deadline.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Demo Recording?

You can contact Creative BC by email at jbardsley@creativebc.com or by phone at 236-455-6232.

Q: Where is the Demo Recording available?

The Demo Recording program is available the province of BC.

Q: Are Indigenous Peoples eligible for the Demo Recording program?

Yes, Indigenous Peoples are eligible to apply for the Demo Recording program.

Q: Are Black Canadians eligible for the Demo Recording program?

Yes, Black Canadians are eligible to apply for the Demo Recording program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

Vancouver, BC

Supports emerging artists from excluded groups with recording mentorship

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $2,000
Up to 100% of project cost

Timeline

Unspecified

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Arts, entertainment and recreation

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Open

Overview

The Demo Recording program offers a grant of up to $2,000 to support new and emerging artists from systemically excluded groups in B.C., focusing on sound recording and mentorship with local producers. Eligible activities include demo recordings and mentorship development with B.C.-based producers.

Financing terms and conditions

Grant amount of $2,000 per project, covering up to 100% of demo recording expenses for one to two songs.
The grant is paid directly to the producer involved in the project.
An initial advance of $1,500 is provided upon approval of the project and signing of the funding agreement.
The remaining $500 is disbursed upon submission and approval of the final report and completed recordings.
Funding supports project activities occurring between January 1, 2025, and December 1, 2025.
Funds cannot be used for projects without a mentorship component or for production outside British Columbia.
Grant recipients must maintain the same artist and producer throughout the funded project.

Activities funded

Demo recordings of original songs or compositions.
Arrangements or interpretations of existing works for genres such as classical, jazz, and opera where this is common practice.
Engagement in mentorship activities with a B.C.-based music producer, including feedback and guidance throughout the music production process.

Eligibility

The applicant must be a B.C.-based producer working with new and emerging artists from systemically excluded groups.
Eligible artists must have resided in B.C. for at least 200 of the 365 days immediately preceding the application deadline.
In the case of a band or group, at least 50% of the permanent performing members must meet the B.C. residency requirements.
The producer must be based in B.C. and all production work should be conducted in B.C.
The artist and the producer must have filed income taxes in B.C. in the previous year, if legally required to do so.
The applicant must not be in default with Creative BC.
The artist must not have previously received a Demo Recording grant.
New and emerging artists must be from systemically excluded groups as specified (e.g., Indigenous Peoples, Black, People of Colour, 2SLGBTQIA+, persons living with disabilities).
Applications must be jointly prepared by the artist and producer, with the producer serving as the primary contact.
Projects must include a mentorship component.

Who is eligible?

B.C.-based music producers collaborating with new and emerging artists from systemically excluded groups.
Artists and producers who reside in British Columbia, Canada.

Who is not eligible

Projects where the artist is also applying as the sole producer.
Project activities that take place outside of B.C.
Standalone mixing or mastering projects.
Projects without a mentorship component.
Any work that contains elements of serious or gratuitous violence, sexual violence or exploitation, obscene, indecent or pornographic content within the meaning of the Criminal Code, or elements which are libelous or in any other way unlawful.

Eligible expenses

Recording expenses for one to two songs.

Eligible geographic areas

Vancouver
Province of British Columbia (B.C.)

Selection criteria

Artist Pitch
Producer Pitch
Mentorship
Creative Content

How to apply

Review Program Guidelines

Visit the Creative BC website to access the Demo Recording Guidelines for the Vancouver Music Fund and Amplify BC.
Ensure your project and profile align with the program's priorities and criteria.

Register and Sign Up for Info Sessions

Prepare Application

Gather and prepare all necessary materials including Artist and Producer Pitches, music samples, and a signed artist-producer agreement.
Complete the downloadable Artist Pitch Template and Producer Pitch Template available on the website.

Submit Application

Fill out and submit the online application form available on the Creative BC website.
Ensure all required documentation is attached, including self-identification forms and producer CV.
Submit your application by March 12, 2025, at 11:59 PM PT.

Complete Self-ID Form

Upon application submission, a self-identification form will be emailed to the applicant and must be completed by March 26, 2025, at 11:59 PM PT.

Await Results

Results will be communicated via email approximately 12 weeks after the application deadline.
Feedback can be requested from Creative BC staff.

Final Reporting (if approved)

Submit an online final report, signed studio/mentorship log, and completed demo recordings by December 1, 2025, to receive the remaining grant payment.

Additional information

Contact Creative BC staff for assistance if you have limited internet access or connectivity issues, as arrangements can be made for a printable application form.
The self-identification form must be completed by all relevant parties by March 26, 2025, which is two weeks after the application deadline.
Creative BC is committed to justice, equity, decolonization, diversity, and inclusion, and expects adherence to these principles in program delivery.
All applicants and recipients are expected to follow Creative BC's Code of Conduct to ensure a respectful workplace free from harassment and discrimination.

Contacts

jbardsley@creativebc.com

236-455-6232

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Demo Recording Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Demo Recording. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.