Province Announces $1.2 Million in Funding to Mark Creative Industries Week

The following information is excerpted from a release issued by the Province of British Columbia.

Today the Province of British Columbia marked the official proclamation of Creative Industries Week with the announcement of $1.2 million for the Music Company Development program as part of the BC Music Fund.

Funding from the BC Music Fund will be used to further develop the capacity of BC’s music companies, through business development activities such as the researching and testing of new products and revenue streams, improvements to business processes, skills training and talent scouting.

Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism, and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour was joined by representatives from Creative BC as well as sector representatives in the Legislature, mobilizing the message ‘BC Creates’ and officially declaring Feb. 27 to March 5 as Creative Industries Week. This year’s theme, ‘The Next Generation of Talent’, was chosen to recognize the success of new and emerging talent in the various sectors, while encouraging young people to consider a career in the creative economy.

As part of the celebrations, guests were invited to tour the creative-industries showcase, featuring interactive displays including a virtual-reality green screen and digital-media station, visual effects demonstration and short-film presentation. Guests were also treated to a musical performance by Vancouver-based artist and BC Music Fund recipient, Said The Whale.

Other events during Creative Industries Week include the BC Creates Community Builders Award Reception in Vancouver on March 1 and the Motion Picture Production Industry Association (MPPIA) Career Expo on March 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the old Canada Post Building in Vancouver. The week will wrap up with Digital Days ‘The Future is Now’ showcase on March 4 at the Anvil Centre in New Westminster.