Music PEI Promotes Home-Grown Talent
News Release
Island-based musicians credit strategic support for their new-found success
May 4, 2017 – Charlottetown, PE – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Prince Edward Island-based musicians are going global and finding new audiences every year, thanks in part to Music PEI and financial support from the federal and provincial governments. Four times as many Island-based artists are touring internationally now than ten years ago, and in the past 18 months those artists have performed in over 15 countries on four continents, playing in front of millions of fans.
Sean Casey, Member of Parliament for Charlottetown, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and the Honourable Heath MacDonald, PEI Minister of Economic Development and Tourism, today announced a total of $87,000 in funding support for Music PEI to stage the annual May Run Music Festival and Canadian Song Conference from May 10-14. A contribution of $18,000 (non-repayable) is being made through ACOA’s Business Development Program (BDP). The Province of Prince Edward Island is providing a non-repayable contribution of $69,000 through the Department of Education, Early Learning and Culture, Skills PEI and Innovation PEI.
An important component of annual music festivals such as the May Run Music Festival and Showcase PEI, which takes place in September, is bringing in music promoters from other markets to hear local artists. Music PEI also organizes outgoing “music missions” to other markets, allowing Island artists to play at showcase events in Europe, the UK, the US, and across Canada. The organization also helps artists develop the business skills they need to survive and thrive in a competitive musical world that no longer relies on traditional record or CD sales to generate income. PEI’s live music scene contributes an estimated $25 million to the Island’s economy each year, most of which comes from off-Island.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada salutes the PEI-based performers and songwriters who are finding success across Canada and in international markets. These entrepreneurs are creating jobs and wealth right here by sharing their talent with the world. PEI has over a dozen internationally touring acts - hard-working artists who are promoting their Island home as well as their music to new audiences every year, thanks to the ongoing support of Music PEI.”
Sean Casey, Member of Parliament for Charlottetown
"Island musicians have been enjoying incredible success over the past number of years thanks in no small part to the tremendous efforts of Music PEI. The May Run Music Festival is an excellent early season event that offers audiences access to the incredible music that helps define our culture, and gives artists important exposure that could result in greater opportunities.”
The Honourable Heath MacDonald, PEI Minister of Economic Development and Tourism
“In 2017 alone, two PEI-based artists were nominated for JUNO awards and the East Pointers won the JUNO for best Roots Traditional Recording, three were nominated for seven Canadian folk music awards, and two more were nominated for Folk Alliance International Awards in the USA. Working with these artists is tremendously rewarding and we are grateful that our governments recognize the value of growing and nurturing this talent.”
Rob Oakie, Executive Director, Music PEI
Contacts
Chris Brooks
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-566-7569
Andrew Sprague
Senior Communications Officer
Department of Economic Development and Tourism
902-368-5535
Rob Oakie
Executive Director
Music PEI
902-894-6734