Regional Economic Growth through Music

News release

Governments support signature music industry showcase for four Atlantic Provinces

January 25, 2019 – Charlottetown (PE) – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

For 30 years, the East Coast Music Awards (ECMAs) have been integral to the growth of the music industry on the east coast of Canada. Through artist showcases, workshops, and networking events, the ECMAs provide musicians and industry representatives with the opportunity to further their business skills and reach new export markets. This year, the ECMA’s will take centre stage in Charlottetown from May 1-5. The host city will welcome thousands of visitors, generating wide-reaching economic spin-offs for the region, as restaurants, accommodations, and other small businesses benefit from the increased traffic resulting from this popular event.

That is why the Government of Canada is providing a non-repayable contribution of $250,000 to support the East Coast Music Association 2019 event. The Province of PEI is also contributing $250,000 to the project, while the City of Charlottetown, in partnership with the Charlottetown Special Events Reserve Fund is providing the organization with $150,000.

Sean Casey, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and 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), along with the Honourable Chris Palmer, PEI Minister of Economic Development and Tourism, and His Worship Philip Brown, Mayor of Charlottetown, made the announcement today.

Funding from the three levels of government will support five days of music and industry programming, performances and professional development opportunities. This year also marks the 18th edition of the “ECMA Export Buyers Program - International and Domestic,” and will welcome 50 international music industry delegates.

Economic growth and the creation of good jobs for Atlantic Canadians require innovation and diversification. Support for this project is one way the Government of Canada is growing the innovation economy by working to sustain strategic clusters, and enhance the development and reach of business accelerators and incubators. Projects like this also contribute to the Atlantic Growth Strategy outcome of long-term economic prosperity in the region.

Quotes

“The East Coast music scene is recognized internationally for its distinct sounds and the many talented writers and performers who have built the community here. The Government of Canada recognizes the value of a strong cultural sector, and is pleased to support the continued economic growth that this vibrant industry brings to our region. Our capital city will be buzzing with entertainment in May - special thanks to the ECMAs for hosting this celebration and essential professional development opportunity.

  • Sean Casey, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and Canadian Coast Guard and Member of Parliament for Charlottetown

"The East Coast Music Awards celebrate the best in Atlantic Canadian and Island music. It is an excellent opportunity to showcase the many talented musicians on Prince Edward Island and to help them find new markets for their music. This event will also attract hundreds of visitors from off-Island during an otherwise slower part of the year, which will benefit a wide variety of local businesses.

  • The Honourable Chris Palmer, PEI Minister of Economic Development and Tourism

“The City of Charlottetown was proud to have led the bid to secure and host the ECMAs. It’s a good fit for the Birthplace of Confederation given our size and close proximity of accommodations, venues and services. It’s very exciting to be hosting the region’s best musical talent. As one of Atlantic Canada’s signature events, the ECMAs will have substantial economic and cultural impacts in our shoulder tourism season. The City will be buzzing with cultural infusion!”

  • His Worship Philip Brown, Mayor of Charlottetown

For the first time since 2014, the East Coast Music Awards (ECMA): Festival & Conference are returning to Charlottetown, PE. A host city renowned for its hospitality and incredible live music, the ECMA is excited to bring the festival back to this great community. From May 1-5, 2019, the ECMA will help connect the best of East Coast music with industry buyers from around the world to generate new business opportunities during five days and nights of musical celebration on Prince Edward Island.”

  • Andy McLean, Chief Executive Officer, East Coast Music Association

Quick facts

  • The nominees for the 2019 East Coast Music Awards: Festival and Conference will be announced on Monday, January 28th, at the Guild, in Charlottetown.

  • The event is a five-day, non-stop musical celebration showcasing and recognizing the best of East Coast artists and music. It has been running for 30 years.

  • Each year, the ECMAs generate between $2 and $4 million dollars in direct and indirect economic benefits to the host province.

  • The federal funding for this project is being provided through ACOA’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program

  • The Regional Innovation Ecosystems stream of the REGI program supports the creation and growth of inclusive regional ecosystems that support business needs and fosters an entrepreneurial environment conducive to innovation, growth and competitiveness.

  • The REGI program continues to build on the objectives of Government’s Innovation and Skills Plan.

Associated links

Contacts

Jana Parker Smith
Communications Manager
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-566-7569

Andrew Sprague
Senior Communications Officer
Department of Economic Development and Tourism
902-368-5535

Jennifer Gavin
Communications Officer
City of Charlottetown
902-629-4102

Andy McLean
Chief Executive Officer
East Coast Music Association
902-423-6770 ext 233
andy@ecma.com

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