News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – Applications for the newly-revised Music Industry Development Program are now being accepted.

“Our government recognizes that money spent on culture is an investment,” said Tourism, Heritage and Culture Minister Bill Fraser. “By announcing this newly-revised program, we fulfill our commitment to accelerate the new provincial cultural policy and further enhance support for the cultural sector.”

The goal of the program is to grow the music industry sector in every aspect. The program, which now has a simplified application and reporting process, comprises three major components which will offer a more comprehensive financial support model to the music industry in New Brunswick.

The three components are;

• sound recording;
• market access; and
• emerging artist.

“Our government is focused on creating jobs, getting our finances in order, and helping families,” said Fraser. “The cultural sector has enormous value and plays an important role in moving New Brunswick forward.”

The sound recording component grant will assist in covering up to 50 per cent of eligible expenses in producing a new sound recording. The maximum yearly grant obtainable is $10,000. The process will remain juried and applications and all required support materials must be received no later than April 10.

The market access component grants will assist in covering up to 50 per cent of eligible expenses for activities relating, but not limited to, tour support, mentorship, incoming buyers, market preparation and professional development. There are no deadlines for any of the categories for this component. The maximum grants for each category are;

• Showcasing and professional development support in the domestic market; 50 per cent of eligible expenses to a maximum of $2,000 for individuals and $4,000 for groups.
• Showcasing and professional development support in the international market; 50 per cent of eligible expenses to a maximum of $3,500 for individuals and $6,000 for groups.
• Tour support, previously known as marketing and promotion, for the domestic market; 50 per cent of eligible expenses to a maximum of $7,500.
• Tour support in the international market; 50 per cent of eligible expenses to a maximum of $10,000.
• Market development, which is a new category, for all markets; 50 per cent of eligible expenses to maximum of $10,000 including; market preparation, mentorship, incoming buyers, and promotional material.

The emerging artist component remains primarily unchanged from previous years and will assist in covering up to 50 per cent of eligible expenses associated with the production of a professional demo/EP and its related promotional activities. The maximum grant for this component is $1,200.

More information is available online.