Vancouver partners with province to support B.C. musicians

Underrepresented musicians across B.C. are getting more support and funding for their projects through a partnership between Creative BC and the City of Vancouver.

The Vancouver music fund is in its third year, but this year, the partnership between the city and province is creating more opportunities to include not only artists from the city but also those across B.C.

The partnership allows for 40 more additional projects.

Serena Sun, a Vancouver pop artist who received funding for her music video, says she’s grateful for the support to film her music video.

“The funding allows Hannah and I to execute this vision to its fullest potential and grow our portfolios as we progress in respective industries,” Sun said.

Part of the fund includes a demo recording program where artists create demo recordings and are mentored by a B.C. producer.

Another project helps develop Vancouver’s music community through funding underrepresented groups, such as the Vancouver Adapted Music Society, where people with physical disabilities learn to record and perform music.

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Prem Gill, CEO of Creative BC says the province is proud to partner with the city.

“These collaborative investments into access, mentorship, and skill-building will expand the music industry’s future success by removing barriers for artists and initiatives that originate in underrepresented communities,” Gill said.

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim echoes the same sentiments.

“Local music plays a vital role in Vancouver’s arts and culture sector and we’re proud to be investing in an initiative that makes music more accessible for local artists,” Sim said.

The Vancouver music fund was launched as part of Vancouver’s Music strategy to create a more diverse music and cultural environment and provide support to Indigenous and underrepresented artists.