Closed
Last Update: May 1, 2026
Funding available
$ 2,000 - $ 50,000
Timeline
- Open Date : August 26, 2026
- Closing date : October 7, 2026
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
- Open Date : August 26, 2026
- Closing date : October 7, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
Location
- British Columbia
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Sole proprietorship
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
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.
Documents Needed
- Online application form.
- Certificate of Incorporation, Business Statement of Registration, Society Certificate, or GST number.
- Creative BC Self-Identification Form for key personnel.
- Artist list or proposed programming lineup.
- Financial statements, if requesting more than $20,000.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- B.C.-based music festivals.
- Venues.
- Concert presenters and promoters.
- Not-for-profit or charitable organizations with headquarters in B.C.
- New companies and sole proprietors registering after approval.
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.
- Events, businesses, or organizations in Metro Vancouver or Victoria’s Capital Regional District where live music is only a secondary activity.
Eligible expenses
- Artist fees, travel, meals, and accommodation.
- Venue, staging, sound, and lighting costs.
- Event staff, contractors, and technicians.
- Permits, insurance, fencing, toilets, and other event costs.
- Marketing, sustainability, and health and safety costs.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Operating costs not specific to the event.
- Alcohol and activities benefiting one artist only.
- Tours, album release shows, award shows, fundraisers, galas, mixers, and private events.
- Cash payments, in-kind expenses, and donated services.
- Grant writing, legal, management, business registration, and financial statement fees.
Eligible geographic areas
- British Columbia.
- Outside Metro Vancouver and Victoria’s Capital Regional District for regional community presenters.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by Creative BC staff and a panel of industry professionals.
- Complete applications are reviewed in about 14 weeks after the deadline.
- Applicants are notified by email, and feedback is available on request.
- Successful applicants must sign a funding agreement before funds are released.
- Recipients must submit a final report and supporting documents to receive the balance of funding.
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.
What is the deadline to apply?
Applications will open on August 26, 2026.
Who is eligible for the Live Music program?
To be eligible for the Live Music program, you must:
B.C.-based live music presenter.
B.C.-registered business or B.C. nonprofit.
Active commitment to live music.
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.