Cape Breton amplifies opportunities for up-and-coming musicians
News release
Federal investment helps expand and support opportunities for emerging Cape Breton artists
March 20, 2024 · Sydney, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Music is an integral part of Cape Breton’s regional identity and its economy. The island’s world-renowned music industry is a vibrant part of the region’s tourism offerings and provides jobs and opportunities for local communities. The Government of Canada is investing to help a Cape Breton organization provide expanded support for emerging artists.
Today, Jaime Battiste, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Member of Parliament for Sydney-Victoria, announced a federal contribution of $85,000 to Cape Breton Music Industry Cooperative (CBMIC). This announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
The Government of Nova Scotia, through the Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage, is also contributing $60,000 to the project.
This investment will allow the industry association to deliver a product development program for emerging local musicians, creating opportunities for new collaborations and compositions, as well as nurturing artistic and professional development. The program, open to all musical genres and ages, will help artists produce singles, videos and EP’s and secure showcase opportunities regionally, nationally, and internationally.
Through projects like this one, the Government of Canada is helping Atlantic Canadian communities and organizations build on regional strengths and seize new opportunities for economic growth.
Quotes
“Cape Breton and music go together like sea and sky – it’s impossible to imagine one without the other. Your federal government is proud to support the tremendous work being done by the Cape Breton Music Industry Cooperative to ensure that local artists have the support they need to develop their craft and careers and bring their music to audiences near and far.”
- The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“Visitors come to Cape Breton seeking out our talented musicians. This project will help enhance tourism growth and generate activity in the local economy. Our emerging artists are the key to ensuring that music continues to be a vital part of Cape Breton Island's identity for generations to come.”
- Jaime Battiste, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Member of Parliament for Sydney-Victoria
“Cape Breton Island has exported a lot of music throughout the world over the years. This funding helps the Cape Breton Music Industry Cooperative create new programs that will support artists who hope to have the same success.”
- Allan MacMaster, Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage
“Cape Breton has long been known as the Music Island and projects like this allow us to make sure we live up to that name. This funding will help CBMIC offer production subsidies to some of Cape Breton’s most talented emerging artists. We pride ourselves at supporting our musicians at every stage of their development and career and partnerships like this make that mission possible.”
- Marc Botte, President, CBMIC Board of Directors
Quick facts
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CBMIC is a not-for-profit organization developed to grow and support Cape Breton’s music industry. It is run by a volunteer board and currently has 246 registered members.
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CBMIC is now celebrating 16 years in operation.
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During the past three years of delivering the CBMIC Product Development Program, CBMIC has contributed funding assistance to over 40 recording projects for Cape Breton artists.
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In 2017, Cape Breton music was rated fourth of 19 in top visitor experiences on the Island, according to Destination Cape Breton Association.
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ACOA’s contribution is through the Innovative Communities Fund (ICF), which builds on the strengths of communities and provides the tools needed to identify opportunities for sustainable economic growth.
Contacts
Connor Burton
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister Responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Connor.Burton@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Lauren Sinclair
Director, Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Lauren.Sinclair@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
782-641-6365
Susan Mader Zinck
Communications Advisor
Province of Nova Scotia
Susan.Mader-Zinck@novascotia.ca
902-499-1343
Duane Nardocchio
Operations Manager
Cape Breton Music Industry Cooperative
info@cbmic.ca
902- 577-2547
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