Creative BC Partners with the First Peoples’ Cultural Council to Deliver New Indigenous Music Initiative

Brentwood Bay, B.C. – The First Peoples’ Cultural Council (FPCC), in partnership with Creative BC, is delighted to announce an exciting new Indigenous Music Initiative to begin in early 2018. The initial focus of the initiative is aimed at increasing opportunities for Indigenous music industry professionals to participate in, and further influence, B.C.’s music industry. This will be followed by a second notable music project to be announced early in the New Year.

FPCC will deliver two ground-breaking funding opportunities through the Indigenous Music Initiative: the Emerging Indigenous Music Industry Professionals and the Expanding Capacity in the Indigenous Music Recording Industry programs. The goal is to assist emerging music industry professionals and Indigenous-directed independent recording studios to engage in skill development and build professional capacity.

The deadline for applications for both programs is February 1, 2018.

The Emerging Indigenous Music Industry Professionals program will accept applications from individual Indigenous music industry professionals and artist-entrepreneurs living in B.C. who have a demonstrated commitment to working in the music industry as administrators, agents, promoters, managers, event organizers or presenters. Applicants can propose short-term mentorship or internship opportunities, which will contribute to their personal professional development goals by allowing them to gain experience, strengthen skills and knowledge, and build relationships.

The Expanding Capacity in the Indigenous Music Recording Industry program will provide one-time grants for projects meant to build the professional capacity of independent, Indigenous-controlled recording studios through activities that include short-term and focused mentorship, internship or training opportunities through participation in a recording project, and limited equipment enhancements. Ultimately this program will support Indigenous recording projects that are relevant to Indigenous music artists and communities.

Indigenous music industry professionals and organizations in B.C. are invited to find out more about the Emerging Indigenous Music Industry Professionals and Expanding Capacity in the Indigenous Music Recording Industry programs by visiting www.fpcc.ca

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About the First Peoples’ Cultural Council:

The First Peoples’ Cultural Council is a First Nations directed B.C. Crown corporation with a mandate to support the revitalization of Indigenous languages, arts, cultures and heritage in B.C. FPCC provides funding and resources to communities, monitors the status of Indigenous languages and develops policy recommendations for First Nations leadership and government. FPCC has distributed more than $45 million to B.C. Indigenous communities and individuals since 1991. For more information, visit www.fpcc.ca.

About Creative BC:

Creative BC is an independent society created and supported by the Province of BC to sustain and help grow BC’s creative sector (film and television, digital and interactive media, music, and magazine and book publishing industries). The society delivers a wide range of programs and services to expand BC’s creative economy. These include the administration of the provincial government’s tax credit programs for film and television; development funding and export marketing support; and motion picture production services to attract inward investment and market BC as a destination for domestic and international production. The society acts as an industry catalyst and ambassador to help BC’s creative sector reach its economic and creative potential both at home and globally. For more information, visit www.creativebc.com.

Media Contact:

Corrie Larson

604-314-9199 
corrie@jivecommunications.ca

QUOTES:

“We’re excited to partner with Creative BC in the development of this Indigenous Music Initiative,” said Tracey Herbert, CEO at the First Peoples’ Cultural Council. “This program offers a dynamic opportunity for Indigenous music industry professionals involved in various areas of the music industry to further develop their skills and talent, and to enhance and support their participation within the music industry as a whole.”

“I am proud to support Creative BC and the First Peoples' Cultural Council in their work to develop professional music experience and expertise for indigenous artists,” said the Honourable Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture. “This grant, provided through the BC Music Fund, will advance careers, increase potential for commercial success and strengthen access for Indigenous artists to access mentorship and music industry resources.”

 “We are proud to be collaborating with the First Peoples’ Cultural Council in delivering this exciting career- and capacity-building program,” said Prem Gill, Chief Executive Officer, Creative BC. “Through the BC Music Fund, new opportunities will be made possible and development will be stimulated within our province’s Indigenous music industry and community.”