New 'Vision' Report Aims To Boost Ontario's Live Music Scenes
No new money is on the table, but a roadmap for greater cooperation between relevant provincial government departments and presenters is now realized.
By FYI Staff
The Ontario Live Music Working Group (OLMWG), an industry/government round-table convened by the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, announced its “Vision for Ontario’s Live Music Industry” during a press conference hosted by Music Canada Live at the Garrison in Toronto on Monday.
"We are thrilled to be able to share this Vision for the live music sector," Music Canada Live Executive Director, and OLMWG co-chair, Erin Benjamin stated at the well attended event. She added that “we now have a plan to ensure the momentum" and that "the support of the Province can continue.”
The live music industry in Ontario sustains more than 20,000 jobs and contributes 1.2 billion dollars to provincial GDP, according to a recent economic impact study.
"The live music sector is crucial to the cultural and economic verve of Ontario, and significantly contributes to the quality of life in communities across the province," Culture Minister Daiene Vernile said.
"The Vision for Ontario's Live Music Industry is a collaborative milestone between the sector and our government, and fulfills our commitment to develop and grow the live music industry in Ontario."
The government's commitment to the sector is spelt out in a 28-page document organized by six themes:
local music scenes,
capacity building,
promotion and marketing,
regulatory challenges,
industry infrastructure, and
impact measurement.
Recommendations
1. Identify and facilitate strategic relationships between government and live music presenters to address policy barriers and enhance the opportunity for live music presentations.
2. Encourage partnership and mentoring between promoters of large and small events, established and emerging music businesses, and different genres, to support cross-development of local music scenes.
3. Raise awareness within the live music industry and among regulators about DIY music presentations, and work to ensure that such spaces can thrive.
4. Build greater awareness and strengthen the voice of grassroots music presenters about existing government and industry-based programs.
The Vision document is now available on both the Music Canada Live and Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sport websites.
