The investment supports two live music programs intended to "strengthen cultural sovereignty by investing in Canadian artists, live music and music festivals."
FACTOR has taken a major step to support the Canadian music scene.
Today (April 21), the Canadian music funding company announced its plans to invest over $2 million in funding for the live music industry, specifically into its Promoter Program and Festival Program.
Both programs reflect the company's ongoing mission to support local artists, festivals and events, fostering an environment where “a diversity of Canadian music artists connect with audiences everywhere.” The Promoter Program and Festival Program are intended to share investment risk with live music companies that have a "proven track record" of successfully presenting Canadian artists and centring diverse voices. The goal is for more shows to be put on across Canada and for more Canadians to be part of the teams presenting them.
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“In this moment, supporting the Canadian businesses that help shape our identity is more important than ever,” says Meg Symsyk, president & CEO of FACTOR. “At a time of rising costs and increased competition from foreign-owned companies, this support will enable our promoters and festivals to continue bringing Canadian artists to stages across the country and marketing those performances effectively, helping artists grow their audiences and careers.”
The Promoter Program was initially launched in 2024 as a pilot project to recognize and support concert promotion staff amid the increasing importance of live music entertainment and touring. Its goal was to foster diverse voices and help bring more Canadian, Indigenous and marginalized artists onstage, as well as behind the scenes. With such initiatives, FACTOR aims to keep diverse Canadian voices and communities at the centre of the live music experience, helping ensure stages are shaped by homegrown talent and values.
"The CLMA is very pleased to see the return of the Promoter Program and new Festivals Program at FACTOR and Musicaction. Promoters and presenters are the purveyors of Canada's cultural sovereignty; this investment represents more opportunities for homegrown artists and support for Canadian live music businesses," said Maddy Oliver, Interim Executive Director of the CLMA.
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News of the investment comes after the Canadian Music Fund was renewed in Nov. 2025, allowing for an allocation of $48 million to Musicaction and FACTOR for three years beginning in 2026.
