How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $50000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Who are the financial supporters of the Live Music?

Live Music is funded by Creative BC

What are Live Music's eligibility criterias?

Applicants must be B.C.-based festivals, venues, event producers, or presenters. Organizations must be a B.C.-owned and controlled corporation, registered business, or sole proprietorship with a valid GST number. Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to presenting live music and assume risks related to programming, producing, and promoting live music performances in B.C.

Live Music

Last Update: February 22, 2025

BC, Canada

Supports B.C. live music events and industry sustainability

Live Music at a glance

Eligible Funding

From $2,000 to $50,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Timeline

Receipt of requests is now closed

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Arts, entertainment and recreation

Grant Providers

Creative BC

Status

Closed

Overview of the Live Music program

The Live Music program, funded by Amplify BC, offers a maximum grant of $50,000 to support live music events and capacity-building activities in British Columbia. Eligible entities include B.C.-based festivals and venues, focusing on enhancing music tourism and providing performance opportunities.

Financing terms and conditions

Grant amounts range from $2,000 to $50,000, covering up to 50% of eligible expenses.
Applicants can receive a maximum of $50,000 across both funding streams.
Requests exceeding $20,000 require financial statement submissions.
The total public funding from combined sources should not exceed 75% of the budget, except for Indigenous-owned companies where it can reach 100%.
Successful applicants receive a 75% advance payment after the execution of the funding agreement.
The final payment of up to 25% is made upon completion and submission of a final report with eligible final expenditures.

Eligible projects & activities

Music festivals.
Concert series.
Year-round programming.
One-off live music events.

Eligibility criteria of the Live Music program

Applicants must be B.C.-based festivals, venues, event producers, or presenters.
The applicant must be a B.C.-owned and controlled corporation, registered business, or sole proprietorship with a valid GST number, filing B.C. tax returns. Not-for-profit or charitable organizations with headquarters in B.C. are also eligible.
New companies and individuals acting as sole proprietors can apply, but need to register their business upon successfully receiving a grant.
Core business activities must include presenting live music in B.C., or filling a gap in their regional community outside of Metro Vancouver or Victoria’s Capital Regional District.
Applicants must demonstrate an ongoing and sustained commitment to presenting live music and engagement within the local music community.
Applicants must assume risk in programming, producing, and promoting live music performances in B.C.
Previous funding recipients must have submitted all prior Live Music final reports prior to December 31, 2024, to be eligible for future funding through this intake.
Applicants must be in good standing with Creative BC, with no defaults on prior grants or outstanding amounts owed.
Ineligible applicants include artists promoting or presenting their own tours or concerts and municipalities, spaces, or events owned or operated by any level of government.

Who is eligible?

B.C.-based music festivals.
Venues.
Concert presenters and promoters.
B.C.-owned and controlled businesses involved in presenting live music.
Not-for-profit or charitable organizations with headquarters in B.C.
New companies and individuals acting as sole proprietors (must register upon receiving a grant).

Who is not eligible

Artists promoting or presenting their own tours or concerts.
Municipalities, spaces, or events owned or operated by any level of government.

Eligible expenses

Programming costs such as artist fees, artist travel, meals, accommodations.
Production costs such as rental or construction of staging, venue, sound, lighting.
Labour costs such as hiring event staff, contract workers, skilled technicians.
Event-related costs such as rental or purchase of fencing, toilets, permits, insurance.
Sustainable event costs such as eco-friendly power sources, reusable plates and cups, composting toilets, cashless POS systems, water refilling stations.
Marketing costs such as online advertising, ad placements, banners, signs.
Health and safety costs such as health and safety plans and protocols, equipment, training.

Eligible geographic areas

Companies based in British Columbia, Canada.
Venues or presenters from outside Metro Vancouver or Victoria's Capital Regional District.
Underrepresented regions of B.C. include Cariboo, Kootenay, Nechako, North Coast, Northeast, Thompson / Okanagan, Vancouver Island and Coast (excluding the Capital Regional District / City of Victoria).

Eligibility criteria of the Live Music program

Idea, Strategy & Approach.
Company Capacity.
Performance Opportunities for Artists.
Economic Impact.
Justice, Equity, Decolonization, Diversity, and Inclusion.

How to apply to the Live Music program

Visit the Creative BC website.
Register for online info sessions to understand the program details and requirements.
Attend an info session to get insights and connect with Creative BC staff.

Initial Preparations

Organize key documents such as Certificate of Incorporation or Business Registration, and GST number.
Prepare the artist list for the previous or upcoming year’s events.

Create an Online Account

Visit the Creative BC website.
Create an online account if not already registered.

Prepare Application Documents

Download and fill out the online application form from the Creative BC website.
Obtain completed Creative BC Self-Identification Forms for all key personnel.
Gather expressions of support from partners and supporters.
Prepare financial statements, if applicable.

Application Submission

Log into Creative BC’s portal.
Upload all required documents and complete the online application form.
Review the application for completeness and accuracy.
Submit the application by October 2, 2024, at 11:59 PM PT.

Follow-Up and Confirmation

Receive confirmation of submission via email.
Keep the confirmation email for records and future reference.

Additional information

The Live Music program supports two funding streams: Presentation and Business Development, each with specific guidelines and application forms available on the Creative BC website.
Creative BC emphasizes the importance of justice, equity, decolonization, diversity, and inclusion in program delivery.
Successful applicants will receive an advance payment of 75% upon execution of a funding agreement, with up to the remaining 25% released after the final report is reviewed.
The review period for complete applications is approximately 14 weeks after the program deadline; applicants will be notified via email.
Creative BC's Code of Conduct must be adhered to by all applicants and recipients, ensuring a respectful and harassment-free workplace.
Adoption of environmentally sustainable practices is encouraged, and applicants are asked to minimize waste and pollution.
The final report deadline for 2023/24 Live Music projects is December 31, 2024.