The Live Music program supports B.C.-based live music events, creating engagement opportunities for audiences and artists.
 Program Closed
This program is now closed. The deadline for applications was October 2, 2024.
Results were communicated to all applicants on January 16, 2025. Contact staff with any questions.
Applications to both streams of the Live Music program are evaluated by Creative BC staff and a panel of industry professionals, representing a variety of genres, industry backgrounds, regions, and demographics.
Applications are scored according to the priorities of the program, the economic impact of the project, and the applicant’s demonstrated capacity to deliver the project.
Would you like to connect with Creative BC staff, ask questions, and learn more about this program?
Sign up for an info session below:
- August 28, 2024, 1 pm – 2 pm (MS Teams)
- September 3, 2024, 5 pm – 6 pm (MS Teams)
- September 19, 2024, 12 pm – 1 pm (MS Teams)
- September 25, 2024, 6:30 pm – 8 pm (in person, at the Creative BC offices)
All info sessions will be conducted in English, and in Pacific Time. Info sessions are always offered at no cost.
The info session slide deck will be posted here when available.
One-hour grant coaching sessions will be available during program intakes for new and previously unsuccessful applicants from equity-deserving groups and regions of B.C. Grant coaches can provide input on your applications for the Live Music program.Â
This includes presenters from the following groups:Â
- Indigenous peoplesÂ
- The Black communityÂ
- People of ColourÂ
- Deaf and Disability community, and those who live with chronic illness or are neurodiverse
- 2SLGBTQIA+, and gender diverse
This also includes presenters from underrepresented regions of B.C.
- CaribooÂ
- KootenayÂ
- NechakoÂ
- North CoastÂ
- NortheastÂ
- Thompson / OkanaganÂ
- Vancouver Island and Coast (excluding the Capital Regional District / City of Victoria)
Meet the 2024/25 Live Music grant coaches:Â
Mizzy Mejia is a seasoned professional in the music industry, making waves as an Artist Manager, Booking Agent, and Production Manager at Land Back Records. He also holds over two decades of experience on the business side of the music industry. As a former touring artist, he brings a unique perspective to both his role at Land Back, and his work as a grant coach, understanding the challenges and nuances faced by musicians firsthand.
Beyond his involvement with Land Back Records, Mizzy also shines as a Production Manager with Timbre Concerts, where his expertise in event planning and management serves artists and audiences in equal measure. With a passion for nurturing talent and a keen eye for emerging trends, Mizzy remains a driving force in shaping the careers of artists, and the future of the music industry.
Programs supported:Â Career Development, Live Music, Music Company, Music Industry Initiatives
Nancy Lee, aka Which Nancy, is a music curator, media artist, event organizer, artistic mentor, and music video director based in Vancouver. Nancy is a co-founder of electronic music and art collective Chapel Sound and CURRENT, an intersectional and multidisciplinary initiative featuring artistic and educational programming for women, nonbinary artists and artists of colour. They work with artists and organizers in DIY and underground spaces, and genres encompassing rap, RnB, club, experimental electronic, ambient, bass, house and techno.
Over the past few years, Nancy has received grants from Creative BC, the City of Vancouver, the Canada Council for the Arts, and the BC Arts Council. They are keen to offer support for emerging artists, BIPOC and queer artists, artists from immigrant families, and artists whose first languages are not English. Nancy is also a JUMPSTART consultant with Music BC, and offers grant coaching support all year round.
Photo by May Troung.
Additional languages:Â Mandarin, and limited Cantonese
Programs supported:Â Career Development, Live Music, Music Company, Music Industry Initiatives
Renée Leighann has over 15 years of experience curating, organizing, and promoting music events in Western Canada, including Kelowna, Edmonton, and Victoria.
She began organizing events at The Whitehouse Night Gallery, a DIY venue in Kelowna, before expanding to various venues under the moniker Owl in Tree Productions. In 2013, Renée founded the Copper Owl, a Victoria music venue that hosted a wide range of musical acts and genres, securing grants through Creative BC’s Live Music program.
For over 12 years, Renée was the lead grant writer for The Fifty Fifty Arts Collective, consistently securing funding from the CRD and BC Arts Council. She is passionate about helping underrepresented musicians and live music presenters access funding and opportunities.
Sage McBride lives in Fernie, BC, where she is a member and managing partner in the alternative folk rock band Shred Kelly. She is a grant writer through her company Saem House Creative, and has experience writing successful grant applications for Amplify BC, FACTOR, Music BC, and Radio Starmaker.
Sage also works as a booking agency assistant at Midnight Agency. She is passionate about collaboration, and excited to be a grant coach for the Kootenay Region.
Programs supported:Â Career Development, Live Music, Music Company
Looking for additional funding opportunities available to the live music sector in B.C.?
Contact Creative BC staff with any questions about this list.
Learn more about past Live Music grant recipients:
If you have questions, or need assistance, please contact:
Navreet Dhaliwal | Presentation
Phone: 236-455-0945
Email: ndhaliwal@creativebc.com
Shannon Hunt | Business Development
Phone: 236-471-0138
Email: shunt@creativebc.comÂ
Live Music: Presentation
Live Music: Presentation Guidelines 2024/25
Review these guidelines to learn more about how this program works, what makes up a successful project, and how applications are evaluated.
Live Music: Presentation Sample Application Form 2024/25
Use this MS Word version of the application form to draft your responses, and share them with your project team.
Live Music: Presentation Prior Year Artist Roster Template 2024/25
Populate this list with the artists you engaged during the previous year, and include it with your application.Â
Live Music: Presentation Tip Sheet + FAQ 2024/25
Check out the frequently-asked questions as you plan your application.
Live Music: Business Development
Live Music: Business Development Budget and Schedule of Activities Template 2024/25
Use this template to build your project budget and activity plan. Attach it to your application form.
Live Music: Business Development Tip Sheet + FAQ 2024/25
Check out the frequently-asked questions as you plan your application.
Final Report Information for Recipients
The final report deadline for 2023/24 Live Music projects is December 31, 2024.
Contact staff with any project changes prior to submitting your final report.
For Live Music | Presentation Recipients:
- Live Music: Presentation Guidelines 2023/24
- Final Report Form (online form)
- Artist Lineup Template (Excel download)
- Logo Use Approval Form (online form)
For Live Music | Business Development Recipients:
- Live Music: Business Development Guidelines 2023/24
- Final Report Form (online form)
- Cost Report Template (Excel download)
- Logo Use Approval Form (online form)