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Canadian live music doesn\u2019t just need more artists, it needs more people willing to book them.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s the bigger story behind FACTOR\u2019s<\/strong> newly announced $2 million investment<\/a> into the live music sector, aimed at supporting Canadian-owned promoters and festivals through its returning Promoter Program and new Festival Program.<\/p>\n For artists, venues, promoters, and the people actually keeping local scenes alive, this is really about infrastructure. The programs are designed to share investment risk with companies that have a proven track record of presenting Canadian artists and keeping diverse Canadian voices at the center of live music. <\/p>\n FACTOR says the goal is to \u201cstrengthen cultural sovereignty\u201d by investing in the businesses that shape who gets on stage \u2014 and who gets discovered. Guidelines for both programs will be released April 30, with applications due June 11.<\/p>\n Meg Symsyk, President & CEO of FACTOR says: <\/p>\n \u201cAt a time of rising costs and increased competition from foreign-owned companies, this support will enable our promoters and festivals to continue bringing Canadian artists to stages across the country and marketing those performances effectively, helping artists grow their audiences and careers.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n The Canadian Live Music Association<\/strong> also framed the announcement in broader terms. Interim Executive Director Maddy Oliver called promoters and presenters \u201cthe purveyors of Canada\u2019s cultural sovereignty,\u201d arguing that investment in these businesses directly creates more opportunities for homegrown artists.<\/p>\n