OMIF — Live Music

Funding for the OMIF Live Music stream is provided in direct grants towards eligible activities to ensure maximal return on investment. It requires applicants to commit to a matching contribution.

• Direct grants available for the costs related to eligible activities.
• Applicants must provide matching contributions to receive funding.
• The fund supports both live music events and activities centered on promoting Canadian artists.
• Grants must show clear, measurable outcomes in alignment with the program’s objectives.

Eligibility for the OMIF - Live Music stream is determined by specific criteria related to the applicant's organizational structure and financial status.

• The applicant must be a domestic music promoter or presenter, including festivals.
• The applicant must have a revenue status under $1M unless they do not meet the Experience Ontario eligibility criteria.
• The applicant must be Ontario-based, implying registration and a permanent office in Ontario.
• The applicant must be a Canadian-controlled corporation, meaning more than 50% owned by Canadians.
• The proposed activities must include Canadian artists, with international artists' fees not covered by OMIF.
• The applicant must be willing to provide a matching contribution to maximize ROI from the provincial investment.
• First-time applicants are encouraged to contact the Ontario Music Office at least two weeks before the deadline to discuss eligibility.

Who is eligible?

Who is not eligible

The OMIF Live Music grant has specific eligibility criteria that exclude certain types of companies, predominantly based on their status and revenue levels. These restrictions ensure that funding is appropriately targeted to support the intended music sectors.

• Domestic music promoters and presenters with annual revenues over $1M who meet the eligibility criteria for Experience Ontario are not eligible to apply for OMIF.
• Applicants cannot receive funding from both OMIF and Experience Ontario for the same event in the same activity window.
• International artist fees and expenses not related to Canadian artists/groups are not eligible for funding.

Eligible expenses

The OMIF Live Music stream aims to enhance live music experiences in Ontario by providing funding for projects that feature Canadian artists. The focus is on expanding opportunities for artists, promoters, presenters, and technical crews involved in live music events.

• Organizing live music events, festivals, and concert series featuring Canadian artists.
• Projects that increase the number of performance opportunities for Ontario artists.
• Initiatives that enhance the quality and caliber of live music experiences in Ontario communities.
• Programs that create employment opportunities for professionals in the live music sector, including promoters and technical crews.
• Efforts to drive revenue growth and economic development in Ontario through live music events.
• Inclusion of live-streaming, virtual performances, and hybrid formats as part of live music activities.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is available to companies based in Ontario, focusing on enhancing the music industry within the province. The eligible locations reflect the regional investment strategy to boost economic development via live music events.

• Businesses or organizations must be registered and have a permanent office in Ontario, Canada.

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on their alignment with the objectives of increasing and enhancing live music experiences, career development for artists, and economic development in Ontario's music sector.

• Quality and originality of the live music proposal.
• Potential to increase opportunities for artist career advancement.
• Impact on local and provincial economic development through live events.
• Capacity to improve employment opportunities in the music sector.
• Clear, measurable outcomes aligning with program objectives.

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

• Applicants are required to provide a matching contribution, ensuring maximum ROI from provincial investment.
• Successful applicants must provide a Certificate of Insurance with specific criteria before the transfer payment agreement is executed.
• Internally prepared financial statements are acceptable for requests up to $15,000, while more substantial requests require a Compilation Engagement Report, Notice-to-Reader, or audited statements depending on the amount.
• Applications open the week of August 19th, 2024, providing preparatory time before the October deadline.
• In addition to financial statements, a business plan outlining the company's competitive strengths and risk management strategies is required.