Live Music

Amplify BC

The Live Music program supports B.C.-based live music events, creating engagement opportunities for audiences and artists.

  Program Closed

This program is now closed.

Results will be communicated to all applicants in early 2024. 

Sign up for our newsletter to receive updates on future program openings.

 

Applications to both streams of the Live Music program are evaluated by Creative BC staff and a panel of industry professionals, representing a variety of genres, industry backgrounds, regions, and demographics.

Applications are scored according to the priorities of the program, the economic impact of the project, and the applicant’s demonstrated capacity to deliver the project.

Live Music: Presentation Scoring Sheet 2023/24

Live Music: Business Development Scoring Sheet 2023/24

Would you like to learn more about the Live Music program, ask questions of Creative BC staff, and discuss your project or idea in greater detail?

Join us at any of the below public info sessions. Get all the details about eligibility, examples of past successful projects, and the application process. We look forward to answering your questions!

These sessions are offered at no cost to participants. Info sessions will be conducted in English, and occur in Pacific Time.

Unable to make any of the above info sessions? Please reach out to Creative BC staff directly for support.

View the info session slide deck.

One-hour Live Music grant coaching sessions are now available for new and previously unsuccessful applicants from equity-deserving groups and regions of B.C. Grant coaches can provide input on your applications for the Live Music program. 

This includes applicants from the following groups: 

  • Indigenous peoples 
  • The Black community 
  • People of Colour 
  • Deaf and Disability community, and those who live with chronic illness or are neurodiverse
  • 2SLGBTQIA+, and gender diverse

This also includes applicants from underrepresented regions of B.C.

  • Cariboo 
  • Kootenay 
  • Nechako 
  • North Coast 
  • Northeast 
  • Thompson / Okanagan 
  • Vancouver Island and Coast (excluding the Capital Regional District / City of Victoria) 

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Sign up for a Live Music grant coaching session by choosing a coach below, once they are available.
  2. Read the program guidelines, start writing your grant application before your appointment, and come with specific questions. Share your saved application link or application materials with your grant coach to receive input on your draft.
  3. You are limited to ONE grant coaching session. Please do not sign up for multiple sessions with multiple coaches.

Meet our 2023/24 Live Music grant coaches below:

Dustyn Baulkham is a trailblazing entrepreneur on a mission to create a more inclusive world. Graduating from UBC Okanagan, Dustyn spent a decade in finance before launching his own consulting company. Back in Kelowna, he served as the Workforce Development Officer and Executive Director before becoming the General Manager of the Kelowna Pride Society. Now, at the helm of Rebellious Unicorns Production Company Inc., he produces high-quality events like Peak Pride and FruitCake, spreading inclusivity magic across the country. Dustyn also sits on the board of the Central Okanagan Foundation as the Secretary and was appointed by the BC Government in 2022 to the Okanagan College Board of Governors.During the pandemic, Dustyn’s innovative spirit thrived, leading him to conjure up QUSIC, a groundbreaking music series spotlighting LGBTQ2+ musicians and artists. As if that weren’t enough, he also harnessed the power of technology to give birth to Unicorns.LIVE, a visionary digital platform showcasing diverse content and amplifying underrepresented voices. These dynamic ventures are transforming the virtual landscape, championing inclusivity, and empowering communities during challenging times. Dustyn was also honoured as the 2020 Young LGBT+ Entrepreneur of the Year by the Canadian LGBT Chamber of Commerce. He’s a true visionary leading the charge for change.

Programs supported: Career Development, Live Music

Book a grant coaching session with Dustyn.

Mizzy Mejia is a seasoned professional in the music industry, making waves as an Artist Manager, Booking Agent, and Production Manager at Land Back Records. With an impressive background in the business side of the music world, Mizzy boasts over two decades of experience. As a former touring artist, he brings a unique perspective to his role, understanding the challenges and nuances faced by musicians firsthand. Beyond his involvement with Land Back Records, Mizzy also shines as a Production Manager with Timbre Concerts, where his expertise in event planning and management serves artists and audiences in equal measure. With a passion for nurturing talent and a keen eye for emerging trends, Mizzy Mejia remains a driving force in shaping the careers of artists and the future of the music industry.

Programs supported: Career Development, Live Music

Book a grant coaching session with Mizzy.

Nancy Lee, aka Which Nancy, is a music curator, media artist, event organizer, artistic mentor, and music video director based in Vancouver. Nancy is a co-founder of electronic music and art collective Chapel Sound and CURRENT, an intersectional and multidisciplinary initiative featuring artistic and educational programming for women, nonbinary artists and artists of colour. They work with artists and organizers in DIY and underground spaces, and genres spanning from rap, RnB, club, experimental electronic, ambient, bass, house and techno. Over the past few years, Nancy has received grants from Creative BC, the City of Vancouver, the Canada Council for the Arts, and the BC Arts Council. They are keen to offer support for emerging artists, BIPOC and queer artists, artists from immigrant families, and artists whose first languages are not English. Nancy is also a JUMPSTART consultant with Music BC, and offers grant coaching support all year round. Photo by May Troung.

Languages: English, Mandarin, and limited Cantonese 

@whichnancy / www.nancylee.ca / www.currentsymposium.com 

Programs supported: Live Music, Music Company Development, Music Industry Initiatives  

Book a grant coaching session with Nancy.

Nimkish is an artist, songwriter, and artistic producer that works on the shared traditional territories of the Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh and Musqueam First Nations (AKA Vancouver). Her second studio release, Damage Control, was funded by Creative BC’s Career Development program and the First Peoples’ Cultural Council. The album landed placement on major Apple Music and Spotify playlists, and the first single charted #1 on the Indigenous Music Countdown. Nimkish’s industry work includes Full Circle: First Nations Performance as one of two Artistic Producers, who work to present the Talking Stick Festival and curate year-round music programming. She works closely with Indigenous artists in the Indigenous arts community, and is happy to offer guidance to anyone who would like to apply to Amplify BC’s Career Development program or the Live Music Program. 

Programs supported: Career Development, Live Music 

Book a grant coaching session with Nimkish.

Sage McBride lives in Fernie, BC, where she is a member and managing partner in the alternative folk rock band Shred Kelly. She is a grant writer through her company Saem House Creative, and has experience writing successful grant applications for Amplify BC, FACTOR, Music BC, and Radio Starmaker. She also works as a booking agency assistant at Midnight Agency. She is passionate about collaboration, and excited to be a grant coach for the Kootenay Region.

Programs supported: Career Development, Live Music

Book a grant coaching session with Sage.

Deb Beaton-Smith founded Beat Music Management 18 years ago to provide management and leadership in the music industry. She is experienced with large and small scale events, conferences, award ceremonies, artist services and venue support. Deb is currently the Executive Director of the BC Music Festival Collective. Past projects include: creating the BC Music Festival Survey project to create standardized surveys and an Economic and Socio-Cultural Report, serving as Director and Curator, Rifflandia Gathering 2018 Music Conference, Sr. Project Manager City of Victoria Canada 150; Host Chair and Co-Producer BreakOut West/Western Canadian Music Awards 2015, and Director, Artist Relations, Grants & Development for Rifflandia Festival. For a decade, she also mentored and provided artist management. Deb is experienced in both grant writing and adjudication for multiple music organizations, including Creative BC, Music BC, FACTOR, the JUNO Awards, MusiCounts, Canadian Folk Music Awards, and the Western Canadian Music Awards. 

Programs supported: Live Music, Music Company Development, Music Industry Initiatives 

Grant coaching with Deb will be available after September 20, 2023.

      If you have questions, or need assistance, please contact:

      Shannon Hunt | Coordinator, Music Programs
      Phone: 236-471-0138
      Email: shunt@creativebc.com

       

      Live Music: Presentation

      Live Music: Presentation Guidelines 2023/24

      Review these guidelines to learn more about how this program works, what makes up a successful project, and how applications are evaluated.

      Live Music: Presentation Sample Application Form 2023/24

      Use this MS Word version of the application form to draft your responses, and share them with your project team.

      Live Music: Presentation Tip Sheet + FAQ 2023/24

      Check out the frequently-asked questions as you plan your application.

      Live Music: Business Development

      Live Music: Business Development Guidelines 2023/24

      Review these guidelines to learn more about how this program works, what makes up a successful project, and how applications are evaluated.

      Live Music: Business Development Budget and Schedule of Activities Template 2023/24

      Use this template to build your project budget and activity plan. Attach it to your application form.

      Live Music: Business Development Sample Application Form 2023/24

      Use this MS Word version of the application form to draft your responses, and share them with your project team.

      Live Music: Business Development Tip Sheet + FAQ 2023/24

      Check out the frequently-asked questions as you plan your application.

      Final Report Information for Recipients

      The final report deadline for 2022/23 Live Music projects is December 31, 2023.

      Live Music grant recipients are reminded to contact staff to obtain approval for proposed changes to their approved projects in advance, and prior to submitting their final reports.

      For Live Music | Presentation Recipients: