Creative BC – Live Music

This is money for the people who put shows on, not for the acts playing them. Amplify BC's Live Music program funds B.C. festivals, venues, concert series, promoters and one-off events, and specifically rules out artists presenting their own tours or album release shows. For a presenter it covers artist fees, artist travel, meals and accommodation, staging, sound and lighting, event staff and technicians, permits and insurance, marketing, health and safety, and sustainability costs such as reusable cups or cleaner power sources.

You need to be a B.C.-owned business, sole proprietor or non-profit headquartered in the province, with live music making up more than half of what you do — or filling a gap in a regional community outside Metro Vancouver and the Capital Regional District. New companies can apply and register once funded. Government-operated venues, other funding bodies, and events that are mainly competitions, karaoke or recitals are excluded.

Grants run from $2,000 to $50,000 per company across the Presentation and Business Development streams, covering up to half of budgeted cash costs. Public funding from all sources cannot exceed 75% of the budget, except for Indigenous-owned companies, where it can reach 100%. Funds arrive in two drawdowns, 75% up front and 25% after the final report. This intake covers events taking place during 2027.

Applying means an online form, your artist line-up, proof of registration or a GST number, and self-ID forms for key staff. Requests over $20,000 need externally prepared financial statements. Any use of AI must be disclosed. Staff and an industry panel score idea and strategy, company capacity, performance opportunities for artists, new activity, economic impact, and equity work. Decisions take around fourteen weeks.