Atlantic Canadian professional musicians will have the chance to showcase their talents and to develop new, strategic business alliances with international industry during the 2013 Eastlink East Coast Music Week, thanks to support from the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic provincial governments.
The East Coast Music Association (ECMA) is celebrating the 25th anniversary of East Coast Music Week, held this year in Halifax from March 6-10.
Federal and provincial funding of $100,000 through the Canada-Atlantic Provinces Agreement on International Business Development will support the ECMA’s International Export Buyers Program.
The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) is also contributing $100,000 to the East Coast Music Association through its Business Development Program to assist with marketing activities and an economic impact study.
“The Government of Canada is proud to support the East Coast Music Association and our Atlantic artists and industry professionals,” said ACOA Minister Gail Shea in a news release. “We recognize the importance of the music sector to Atlantic Canada’s economy and the export potential of the region’s performers, and this event provides a stage like no other to showcase Atlantic Canada’s talent.”
The main goal of the ECMA's International Export Buyers Program is to create export and business opportunities in new markets—at home and abroad— for Atlantic Canadian performers, publishers and managers in the music industry. The program provides export training and matchmaking opportunities that provide increased cultural awareness and market intelligence.
“East Coast Music Week is an opportunity for Atlantic Canadians to celebrate local artists and music executives who continue to make a sizable impact in the music industry across North America,” said Minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning Allen Roach. “The East Coast Music Association plays a major role in supporting and accelerating the music industry in our region and we are pleased to support the Association’s efforts.”
The ECMA is a non-profit association. Its celebration of Atlantic Canadian music has grown from a one-day event to a five-day international conference. It was hosted in Halifax for the first five years and has grown to include venue locations rotating throughout all four Atlantic provinces.
“The support we have received from the federal and provincial governments is critical to helping us to foster, develop, promote and celebrate our artists and music locally and globally,” said ECMA executive director Scott Burke. “With this funding, we have created an event that promotes our region's great musical wealth among industry leaders who can, in turn, open doors for our artists in new markets, while also generating revenue for the local economy.”
I agree 100%, but that doesn't mean it is something else the government should spend taxpayers money on, for those who are deemed worthy.