Alberta Music applauds the announcement of the Government of Alberta’s $2-million program to help musicians and live industry professionals affected by the pandemic.
The Stabilize Live Music Grant program is an unprecedented contribution to the live music sector, which is one of the hardest hit and will be one of the last to recover.
Musicians and industry professionals will be able to apply for a one-time Individual Micro Grant of $1,500. For-profit music venues and businesses will be eligible for a one-time Music Business Innovation Micro Grant of up to $25,000. Applications will open May 17 through albertamusic.org.
“We would like to thank the Government of Alberta for this contribution,” says Carly Klassen, executive director of Alberta Music.
Over the past 14 months, many of Alberta’s musicians and live music professionals have lost some or all of their livelihoods as a result of COVID-19 protocols such as restrictions on live music and venue closures.
Alberta’s music industry also extends far beyond the stage, including professionals such as audio engineers, producers, managers, agents, label staff, music publishers, and broadcasters. In 2017, more than 21,000 people worked in the industry—with the live music sector employing 5,440 in Edmonton and Calgary and contributing $709 million to the gross domestic product, according to a study by West Anthem.
“The Stabilize Live Music 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,” says Klassen.
“Musicians, music venues, sound engineers, producers and labels have all had their careers and businesses significantly affected by the pandemic. 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.”
While stages have been dark during the pandemic, musicians and industry professionals across the province have been working tirelessly behind the scenes and on social media, advocating for financial assistance. Alberta Music would like to thank them, and in particular West Anthem, for continuing to advocate to governments the importance of the music industry’s contributions to Alberta’s cultural identity and economic recovery from the pandemic.
“Alongside our partners, we further propelled conversations about the importance of our sector that led to historic support from the government,” says Andrew Mosker, co-founder and chair of West Anthem. “West Anthem will continue to advocate for our community until we all reach the other side of this devastating pandemic with the tools and support to bounce back.”
The Stabilize Live Music Grant program is the result of the concerted efforts of industry partners including Alberta Music, West Anthem, and Canadian Live Music Association, as well as many more individuals. The program is the result of the concerted efforts of industry partners including Alberta Music, West Anthem, and Canadian Live Music Association, as well as many more individuals.
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