Live Music: Presentation
The Live Music program supports B.C.-based live music events, creating engagement opportunities for audiences and artists.
Offered by CreativeBC
Amount
Up to $50,000
$2,000 - $50,000 for up to 50% of budgeted cash expenditures, to a maximum of $50,000 per company across the two funding streams
Quick eligibility check
Who can apply
Applicants must be B.C.-based festivals, venues, event producers or presenters that meet the following criteria:
- Is a B.C.-owned and controlled corporation, registered business, or sole proprietorship with a
valid GST number, that files B.C. tax returns. Applicants may also be not-for-profit or charitable organizations with headquarters in B.C. New companies and individuals acting as sole proprietors can apply but will be required to register their business upon successfully receiving a grant. New businesses are eligible to apply for funding.
- Core business activities for the applicant company, or business unit within a larger
organizational structure, include presenting live music in B.C., or fills a gap in their regional community (outside of Metro Vancouver or Victoriaâs Capital Regional District). âCore business activitiesâ means that more than 50% of an organizationâs activities are related to the presentation of live music.
- Demonstrates an ongoing and sustained commitment to presenting live music and engagement
within the local music community
- Assumes risk in programming, producing, and promoting live music performances in B.C.
Creative BC encourages applications from systemically excluded groups, including Indigenous Peoples (First Nations [Status/Non-Status], MĂ©tis, and Inuit), Black, People of Colour, People living with one or more Disability, 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, women, non-binary and gender diverse people, and other groups who experience systemic barriers to participation.
For previous recipients:
- Final Reports: If an applicant has received funding from Creative BC, all prior Live Music final
reports must be submitted prior to December 31, 2026, to be eligible for funding through this intake. Grant recipients from 2025/26 who have completed their projects are encouraged to submit final reports as soon as possible, as final reports for returning applicants will be reviewed before 2026/27 grants are issued.
- Good Standing: The principals, directors, officers, shareholders and owners of all applicant
companies must be in good standing with Creative BC, which means the applicant is not in default with respect to prior grants, and there are no outstanding amounts owed to Creative BC.
Project Eligibility
This stream provides eligible applicants with funding for live music events, including:
- Music festivals âą Concert series
- Year-round programming
- One-off live music events
About the funding
Financial Participation Grant Amounts: $2,000 - $50,000 for up to 50% of budgeted cash expenditures.
Company Cap: Applicants can be approved for a maximum of $50,000 per company, across the two funding streams. Applicants requesting more than $20,000 across Live Music program applications or streams, must meet financial statement requirements.
This program funds activities and related expenses incurred between January 1, 2027, and December 31, 2027. Applicants are expected to contribute to the financing of the project and seek other revenue sources where appropriate.
Total public funding from combined sources cannot exceed 75% of the budget; however, public funding from combined sources can equal up to 100% of the eligible budget for companies owned by Indigenous peoples.
Show all funding details
Terms of Funding Advance of Funds The advance of funds (the âAdvanceâ) is non-recoupable (except as noted below, under Forfeiture and Default and within the Agreement) and will be released over two drawdowns (75% and 25% respectively), according to the conditions laid out in the Agreement.
Eligible expenses include direct costs for programming, producing, and promoting live music performances in B.C., such as:
- Programming costs such as music artist fees, music artist travel, meals, accommodations,
workshops
- Production costs such as rental or construction of staging, venue, sound, lighting
- Labour costs such as hiring event staff, contract workers, skilled technicians
- Event-related costs such as rental or purchase of fencing, toilets, permits, insurance
- Sustainable event costs such as eco-friendly power sources, reusable plates and cups,
composting toilets, cashless POS systems, water refilling stations
- Marketing costs such as online advertising, ad placements, banners, signs
- Health and safety costs such as health and safety plans and protocols, equipment, training
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