The Vancouver Music Strategy supports music and musicians working and living here by addressing gaps and opportunities in our city’s music ecosystem and embracing Vancouver’s vibrant and diverse music communities.
The framework for action, approved by Council in September 2019 as part of Culture|Shift, includes strengthening collaboration between government, community, and industry, engaging audiences, generating economic growth, promoting music tourism and education, and removing municipal barriers, to create a dynamic, sustainable, and resilient music sector for generations to come.
What's happeningVancouver Music Fund grants
Apply now for a Demo Recording grant (up to $2,000) or a Business Foundations grant (up to $10,000).
Applications close: March 12, 2025.
The Vancouver Music Fund supports Indigenous and underrepresented groups working in the music and sound recording industry. Part of the Vancouver Music Strategy and of our 10-year Culture | Shift plan, this fund helps emerging artists and industry professionals access opportunities, promoting a thriving and diverse music sector in Vancouver.
These grants are offered in partnership with Creative BC.
Funding is available through 2 programs:
- The Demo Recording program External website, opens in new tab: Supports new and emerging artists from systemically excluded groups living in BC to create demo recordings and engage in mentorship with local music producers. Artists and producers can apply together for $2,000 to cover 100% of recording expenses for 1 to 2 songs.
- The Business Foundations program External website, opens in new tab: Invests in growing businesses owned by people from systemically excluded groups in BC’s music ecosystem, to expand and develop networks, capacity, and infrastructure. Entrepreneurs and companies can apply for $2,000 to $10,000 to support business operations, funding up to 100% of eligible expenses.
Visit Creative BC External website, opens in new tab for information on upcoming info sessions on both programs and to connect with Creative BC staff, who are available until the deadline to support applicants.
Council report: recommendations
Vancouver Music Strategy recommendations include both City-led and industry-led recommendations to address challenges and opportunities across the music sector, and have been incorporated into Culture|Shift, Vancouver’s new culture plan for 2020-2029.
View a full list of recommendations and actions PDF file (74 MB)
Key priorities
The Vancouver Music Strategy development has been guided by the Vancouver Music Strategy Steering Committee and Advisory Committee, who have examined the strengths, weaknesses, and gaps that exist within Vancouver’s music ecosystem.
Key strategic themes have been identified:
- Artist development
- Audience engagement
- Industry development
- Municipal support
- Music ecology
- Music education
- Music tourism
- Spaces and places
The strategic themes, along with recommendations from all phases of engagement, will be presented to Council for their direction in September.
Contact us
Have ideas or questions about how we’re shaping the future of music in Vancouver? Contact us at music@vancouver.ca