Supporting Atlantic Canada’s world-renowned music industry
News release
Federal government invests in the East Coast Music Association’s annual festival and conference
February 26, 2025 · St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Canada’s arts and culture organizations are making a big impact on the local economy, creating jobs and boosting tourism. The Government of Canada is amplifying its commitment to Atlantic Canada’s vibrant music industry with a significant investment in the East Coast Music Association (ECMA) Inc. to help create and enhance opportunities for growth and connection within the music industry.
Tuned into the heart and soul of Atlantic Canada
Today, the Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister for Seniors and Member of Parliament for St. John’s East, announced a Government of Canada investment of $300,000 to the ECMA for its annual awards festival and conference slated to return to the province’s capital city for the first time in a decade in May 2025. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA.
This investment will help the not-for-profit association – comprised of more than 1,200 music industry professionals dedicated to the development, promotion and celebration of music – carry out activities that help create a means for local artists and other industry professionals to connect, as well as host a jam-packed five-day event in St. John’s that will showcase the region’s dynamic music scene and enhance its cultural economy
Today’s announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to supporting diversity, innovation and collaboration throughout the east coast music sector, while at the same time, creating an opportunity for national and international promotion of local talent. In doing so, it also attracts millions of dollars in economic spinoffs for the host province.
Quotes
“In Atlantic Canada, our music scene isn’t just a big part of who we are — it’s a driver of jobs and tourism across our region. Supporting the ECMA means giving our talented artists the tools they need to succeed at home and on the world stage, while creating opportunities for folks working behind the scenes and bringing great music to audiences of all ages.”
- The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“ECMA has a long history of creating opportunities for our local artists and enriching our communities through the power of music. This investment not only celebrates the rich musical heritage of our region, but it will also encourage innovation and collaboration within the industry.”
- The Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister for Seniors and Member of Parliament for St. John’s East
Quick facts
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The East Coast Music Association (ECMA) is a membership-based, not-for-profit organization that has created opportunities for growth and connection within the music industry for more than 35 years.
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Hosted annually at various locations throughout Atlantic Canada, the ECMA’s awards showcase and conference has become a well-recognized cultural event in the region, exposing east coast music to new markets.
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The 2025 ECMAs Festival and Conference will be held from May 7-11 in St. John's, NL. A variety of music genres will be highlighted, including Acadian/Francophone, Aboriginal, Folk, Bluegrass, Urban, Jazz, Blues, Country, and Gospel.
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ACOA has provided approximately $1.28 million to the ECMA over the past five years.
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Funding for this project is provided through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program which creates the right conditions to start and grow business in Atlantic Canada. It also helps businesses and not-for-profit organizations develop a strong, dynamic and inclusive regional network to fuel growth and innovation.
Associated links
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
Paul McGrath
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
709-689-5731