Nova Scotia – 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.
“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.”- Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA