Closed
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 2,000 - $ 50,000
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
British Columbia, Canada
Overview
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.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Reduce environmental footprint
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 50,000 $
- Minimum amount : 2,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
Location
- British Columbia
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- 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
- Rural or Northern Residents
- 2SLGBTQI+
- Canadians
- Startups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Culture and Arts
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- People with disabilities
- Women & girls
- LGBTQ+ community
- Rural / Remote communities
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Artists / creatives
- Nonprofits / charities
- Minority groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Regional
- Provincial
Next steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Music festivals.
- Concert series.
- Year-round programming.
- One-off live music events.
Eligibility
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).
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.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Live Music Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Live Music. 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.
What is the Live Music?
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.
How much funding can be received?
Live Music Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $50,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Live Music program?
To be eligible for the Live Music program, you must:
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.
What expenses are eligible under Live Music?
Music festivals.
Concert series.
Year-round programming.
One-off live music events.
Who can I contact for more information about the Live Music?
You can contact Creative BC by email at ndhaliwal@creativebc.com or by phone at 236-455-0945.
Where is the Live Music available?
The Live Music program is available the province of British Columbia.
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