Ontario Music Fund an important investment in job creation in Ontario's music industry

TORONTO, May 1, 2013 /CNW/ - On behalf of our members and partners, Music Canada commends the Government of Ontario for its commitment to accelerate the growth of the music industry in the province with the creation of the Ontario Music Fund announced today.

"Music is a superpower that's primed and ready to perform for Ontario. It's a smart investment given the globally competitive advantage we have in the recorded and live music sectors," says Graham Henderson, President of Music Canada. "Research has shown that targeted support for music will pay off with enormous dividends including job growth, increased investment, tourism and the transformation of Ontario into one of the recording capitals of the world. As we in the music community like to say, music can help."

The Ontario Music Fund is a $45 million dollar grant program to be distributed over three years beginning in 2013-14.  According to a release by the Ministry of Finance, the fund is designed to support new digital and record production and distribution of Canadian music, to increase partnership opportunities and to promote Ontario's music industry in Canada and around the world.

Ontario's music industry is one of the most robust and diversified in North America.  The recording sector alone generates more than $300 million in economic impact in Ontario which accounts for 81% of the total activity across Canada.  It's a cutting edge digital sector that predominantly attracts young workers.   Live music is also of critical importance, both as a key aspect of Ontario's competitive advantage, and as a source of income for artists and musicians.

The announcement was made today to a capacity crowd at Lee's Palace in Toronto and with performances by Courage My Love from Kitchener and Royal Wood from Toronto.

QUOTES:

"On behalf of our 85 employees at Metalworks, I wish to congratulate the Government of Ontario for its commitment to maintaining a vibrant music industry.  As a result of today's announcement, the industry will get a much needed boost in the arm and the 220 students currently enrolled at Metalworks Institute of Sound and Music Production will be more likely to enjoy successful careers in an industry that I have been fortunate to call my own from the time I was a teenager.  Today is a great day for music in Ontario."  Gil Moore, CEO, Metalworks Group

"The new Ontario Music Fund is a welcome investment in Ontario's music industry and in our world class cast of talented artists and musicians.  We look forward to learning more about the program and how we can work with the government to build on the entrepreneurial spirit in the music community."  Steve Jordan, founder and Executive Director, Polaris Music Prize

"Broader support for music production in Ontario will provide a strong incentive for Canadian artists to record in Ontario, while also helping us lure major American and international acts to record here.  We congratulate the government for making a commitment towards the music industry in this province which is, by any measure, one of Ontario's great assets." Kim Cooke, Co-owner, Revolution Recording

"Returning to Toronto as NXNE's new festival director, I'm inspired to see first-hand the extent of the Government of Ontario's commitment to supporting the music industry in this province. I believe that we have the most passionate fans, the most visionary and experienced industry, and the most talented artists anywhere. This tremendous and timely support from our provincial government will be vital in helping our music sector rock the world. I couldn't agree more - music creates jobs." Christopher Roberts, NXNE Festival Director

"The Ontario Music Fund announced today creates a strong incentive for artists and their teams to produce more recordings in Ontario. In a competitive global environment, every edge makes a difference.  Congratulations to the government for seeing the importance of the music industry."  Donny DaSilva, Manager, Noble Street Studios

"We applaud the Ontario government's creation of the Ontario Music Fund, and their recognition that music not only plays a profound role in the cultural lives of Ontarians, but is also an important driver of the economy and a source of valued jobs.  We hope this announcement will allow the already vibrant live music sector to amplify our successes through support for infrastructure, programming, and artist & audience development initiatives.  We are part of one of the largest and most dynamic music communities in the world and this investment will help maximize its potential, paying dividends for the people of Ontario."  Jesse Kumagai, Director of Programming, The Corporation of Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall

Music Canada is a non-profit trade organization that represents the major record companies in Canada, namely Sony Music Entertainment Canada, Universal Music Canada and Warner Music Canada.  Music Canada also works with some of the leading independent record labels and distributors, recording studios, live music venues, concert promoters, managers and artists in the promotion and development of the music cluster.

SOURCE: Music Canada

Amy Terrill - Vice President Public Affairs, Music Canada
[email protected]  647-963-6044