Atlantic Canadian Musicians Shine on the World Stage
News Release
Government of Canada supports East Coast Music Week’s International Export Buyers Program
January 26, 2016 – Sydney, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Atlantic Canadian music professionals will have the chance to showcase their talents and develop new business alliances with international industry representatives during the 2016 Eastlink East Coast Music Week, thanks to an investment of $200,000 from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). The Honourable Mark Eyking, MP for Sydney-Victoria, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. The non-repayable contribution, through ACOA’s Business Development Program, will support ECMA’s International Export Buyers Program and assist with the hosting of East Coast Music Week.
The East Coast Music Association (ECMA) is celebrating the 28th edition of East Coast Music Week, to be held this year in Sydney, Nova Scotia from April 13-17. Recognized as the most comprehensive and exciting international music event in Atlantic Canada, the event attracts industry professionals, talent buyers, media and record labels from around the globe to activities including music showcases, industry-centered gatherings, and an awards gala.
The Export Buyers Program includes business development activities such as live performance pitching presentations, networking receptions, business orientation sessions and export development interactive sessions.
Quick Facts:
- East Coast Music Week (ECMW) began in 1989 as the Maritime Music Awards and featured just five categories. Today it has grown to over 40 categories for artist, industry and honorary awards.
- #ECMW2016 will feature 420 artists, representing 200 bands performing at over 50 events in more than 10 venues across the city in five days.
- ECMA estimates about 8,000 people will take part in this year's ECMW, leading to about $3 million for the local economy.
- Over 50 music industry delegates from the United States, Canada, Australia, France, and the United Kingdom (England and Scotland) will attend ECMW 2016 to participate in the International Export Buyers Program.
- It is estimated that business negotiations from the 2015 event resulted in more than 10 international booking agent signings, 5 Canadian agent signings, 267 confirmed shows, 52 international festival booking contracts, 85 Canadian festival performance bookings, 79 international tours, 14 film and television licensing deals, 2 label releases and 6 showcasing and touring business development opportunities.
- The Export Buyers Program is now in its 15th year.
Quotes:
“The Government of Canada is committed to supporting our cultural and creative industries. East Coast Music Week is an great celebration of East Coast music that brings with it many economic and cultural benefits. Not only does this sector generate revenue and jobs, it also stimulates creativity and innovation. By supporting our artists to shine on national and global stages, we are making an investment in our export capacity, and in our creative economy.”
- Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
“We are very excited and honoured to host this year’s East Coast Music Awards here on Cape Breton Island. This event not only showcases Atlantic Canada’s talent—it also recognizes our rich cultural connections at the international level that can help open doors to new markets. Congratulations to all of this year’s nominees.”
- Mark Eyking, MP for Sydney-Victoria
"We announced the East Coast Music Awards nominees today—which once again demonstrates the incredible musical talent coming out of our region right now—and there’s so much more to be announced in the weeks to come. Get ready for what will be a truly memorable ECMW!"
- Andy McLean, ECMA Executive Director
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Contacts:
Alex Smith
Director of Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
(902) 426-9417
(902) 830-3839 (cell)
Email : alex.smith@canada.ca
Jeff Lawton
Marketing and Communications
East Coast Music Awards
902-877-0147 (cell)
Email: jeff@ecma.com
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Hon. Navdeep Singh Bains Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency Arts, Music, Literature
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