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Demo Recording
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Supports emerging artists from excluded groups with recording mentorship
Grant and Funding
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.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 2,000 $
- Up to 100% of project cost
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
Location
- Vancouver
- British Columbia
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Persons with Disabilities
- Other Racialized Persons
- Black Canadians
- 2SLGBTQI+
- Canadians
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
1
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.
2
Register and Sign Up for Info Sessions
Sign up for online or in-person info sessions on the Creative BC website if you need additional guidance.
3
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.
4
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.
5
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.
6
Await Results
- Results will be communicated via email approximately 12 weeks after the application deadline.
- Feedback can be requested from Creative BC staff.
7
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
