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 supports B.C.-based live music presenters through Amplify BC, with funding of up to 50% of eligible expenses and a maximum of $50,000 per company. It supports live music events and capacity-building activities, including festivals, concert series, year-round programming, one-off events, and business development projects.
/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 prospective programming lineup.
- Financial statements for requests over $20,000.
Official resources
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.
Eligible expenses
- Artist fees, travel, meals, and accommodations.
- Venue, staging, sound, and lighting costs.
- Event staff, contractors, and technicians.
- Permits, insurance, fencing, toilets, and other event-related costs.
- Marketing, sustainability, and health and safety costs.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Operating costs not specific to the project.
- Alcohol and events benefiting only one artist.
- 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.
- Regional presenters outside Metro Vancouver and Victoria’s Capital Regional District.
Selection criteria
- Idea, Strategy & Approach.
- Company Capacity.
- Performance Opportunities for Artists.
- Economic Impact.
- Justice, Equity, Decolonization, Diversity, and Inclusion.
How to apply
- Step 1: Review program information.
- Access the program materials on the Creative BC website.
- Attend an online info session if needed.
- Step 2: Prepare the application package.
- Complete the online application form.
- Prepare the required supporting documents.
- Complete the Self-Identification Form for key personnel.
- Step 3: Submit online.
- Submit the application through Creative BC’s online portal.
- Upload the required documents before the deadline.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by Creative BC staff and 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
- Creative BC emphasizes justice, equity, decolonization, diversity, and inclusion in program delivery.
- Applicants and recipients are expected to follow Creative BC’s Code of Conduct and maintain a respectful workplace.
- Environmental sustainability practices are encouraged.
- Applications may be submitted for either stream, and early submissions are welcomed.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Live Music Program
What is the Live Music?
The Live Music program supports B.C.-based live music presenters through Amplify BC, with funding of up to 50% of eligible expenses and a maximum of $50,000 per company. It supports live music events and capacity-building activities, including festivals, concert series, year-round programming, one-off events, and business development projects.
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 organization.
Active live music presenter in B.C.
Good standing with Creative BC.
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.