Dozens in province’s music industry to receive funding
As people in the music industry around the province look for new ways to reconnect with their audience during the COVID-19 pandemic, dozens will get financial help.
Musicnl announced Friday that 37 people — from singer/songwriters in all genres of music to sound technicians — will receive funding totalling about $150,000 for new and innovative projects.
Those receiving funding under the Press On program are Mary Barry, Bil Brennan, Carolina East, Maria Cherwick, The Citadel House, Rachel Cousins, Janet Cull, Amelia Curran, Ben Diamond, Sherman Downey, Alan Doyle, Duo Concertante, The Ennis Sisters, Justin Fancy, Fortunate Ones, Ian Foster, Ofra Harnoy, Mike Herriott, Laughing Heart Music, Lawnya Vawnya, Rozalind Macphail, Justin Mahoney, the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra, the NL Folk Arts Society, The Once, Orion Entertainment, Ouroboros, Julius Paare, Denis Parker, Quote the Raven, Rotary Arts Centre, Rube and Rake, Singsong Inc., Christina Smith, Steady Entertainment Inc., Still Heavy Productions and With Violet.
The applications included projects such as interactive technology-based tools to enhance music rehearsals, streamlining of websites, webinar series, the creation of applications for festivals, mentoring, recording mentorship and digital music initiatives.
“There were so many good applications,” Musicnl chair Amy House told The Telegram. “The depth of creativity and ingenuity demonstrated in the applications, we said we’ve got to try and get some more funding. This stuff is just too good.”
House said at the deadline for applications, the original budget for the Press On program was $100,000, but when they sought further funding, they were delighted to receive it from the Department of Tourism, Culture and Industry and Innovation.
Focusing on new models of operating in the COVID-19 world, applications to Press On identified clear, sector-specific responses needed to replace or refocus traditional strategies such as touring and in-person presentations. Access to new markets, mentorships, website development, product enhancement, individual skills development and the monetization of creative endeavors are all highlighted as part of responding to this new environment.
“We wanted to create new opportunities to help stabilize and strengthen the music sector during this down time,” House said. “But we also wanted to improve it and help sustain the competitiveness for our music industry after the pandemic is over.”