Alberta gov’t grant program to support live music industry suffering due to pandemic
Posted May 14, 2021 9:53 am.
Last Updated May 14, 2021 10:31 am.
EDMONTON – People who make money playing live music are getting some support from the province as it announces a new grant program to get people through the pandemic.
The Alberta government has announced $2 million will be made available to musicians and venues to help rebuild and reopen live experiences after COVID-19 cases are brought under control.
“The live music industry is critical to our quality of life and our economic recovery, and we need to maintain the sector’s viability in these uncertain times in order to see future growth. Once the province can reopen, there will be a pent-up demand for live music and we need to make sure the live music industry can meet that demand,” said Minister of Culture, Multiculturalism, and Status of Women Leela Aheer in a release.
“This investment will allow Albertans to safely enjoy live performances and ensure our amazing artists return to the stage stronger than ever.”
Grants of $1,500 can be claimed by musicians and other music professionals to prepare for a return to live performances and venues can get grants up to $25,000 through the Stabilize Live Music Grant program.
The government is partnering with Alberta Music which will be responsible for doling out the money. People interested in applying for a grant can do so starting Monday.
“This grant is intended to alleviate some of the financial hardships faced by the music sector, which has essentially been unable to function for the last 12-plus months. Musicians, music venues, sound engineers, producers and labels have all had their careers and businesses particularly hard hit by the pandemic,” said Alberta Music’s executive director, Carly Klassen, in a release.
“And while the road to recovery will be a long one, we hope that this initiative will be a shot in the arm for the industry, putting people back to work and money back into the music economy.”
The $2 million comes from the $15 million allocated to the Stabilize Program in the 2021 budget.
