Recording and music marketing funds available in Canada
As an artist, songwriter and/or musician, you may wonder what recording and music marketing funds are available in Canada.
Well good news, there are a lot of opportunities both nationally and provincially! However, it might feel a bit overwhelming trying to figure out which grants are not only right for your career goals, but which ones you are actually eligible for. We are here to help!
It can take a bit of research and many artists, managers and labels choose to hire a grant writer. But whether you have the budget for that (some grants can include grant writer allocations) or decide to take it upon yourself to apply – you need to know what you are asking for and why!
It is also super important to keep in mind that if you do indeed get funding, you will also have to reconcile the grant later on. That means keeping track of expenses per: your requested budget and having the proof to back up your spends via invoices and receipts etc.
There’s a lot to cover, so if you want advice on what to include in your submission we suggest checking out this Hot Tips post – Canadian Grant Funding: How to Write a Music Marketing Plan. It is also super important to have an understanding of release cycles so here is more recommended reading before you start putting together your grant submission! Read Katy Krassner’s Hot Tips: The Stages of a Release Cycle.
Keep in mind, many grant submissions are super comprehensive so make sure to leave yourself enough lead time so you aren’t scrambling to complete it in time. And if you feel too rushed for these upcoming deadlines – remember many of these grants are rolling so just keep tabs for the next one!
What kind of music funding is right for you
As there are many types of funds available to artists we are narrowing it down to grants related to recording and marketing music. As you may want to consider including Play MPE as a line item in your budget if you are looking to market an existing or future release. Or as a consideration to promote that funded recording to maximize its potential. Detail your intentions to promote your art with the aim of getting results! Having a comprehensive, well thought out strategy for your music career, is key. If your release gains traction – radio spins, reviews, interviews, you are likely to be awarded more funds in the future. Win-win.
National Canadian music grant opportunities
Recording & Marketing:
FACTOR: The Juried Sound Recording
Next submission deadline: September 12, 2024
The program provides funding toward the costs of production of an original full-length sound recording and contributes to the marketing and promotion of that Sound Recording under the Marketing, Tour Support, Video, Showcase, and Radio Marketing components.
Who is Eligible?
Artists rated General or 2 on their own behalf if the artist is unsigned
Record labels rated Approved, 2 or 3 with an artist rated General or 2
Record labels in the Company Envelope: Mid-Tier program
Marketing strategies for the recording:
Consider promoting the music you record with your funding both nationally and internationally with Play MPE. Get your music to top curators in radio, media, music supervision and more. Include music promotion distribution as a line item in your marketing plan and budget. When you promote music with Play MPE’s Caster, you can add in tour dates, music video links, and any other promo information you wanted included in your promotional release. Includes 2 free resends which can be updated to keep your promotion fresh.
Recording:
Manitoba Film & Music: Record in Manitoba
Next submission deadline: September 19, 2024
Who is Eligible?
Non-Manitoba based artists planning to record in Manitoba.
Next submission deadline: October 31, 2024
Who is Eligible?
Established out-of-province and international artists planning to record at B.C. studios, and with B.C. producers.
Provincial funding for artists and musicians
Recording & Marketing:
Alberta Foundation for the Arts: Individual Project Funding
Next submission deadline: September 3, 2024
This grant funds art production, marketing, research, training and career development.
Who is Eligible?
Individual artists, arts administrators, or an ensemble of artists based in Alberta.
MusicNL (Music Industry Association of Newfoundland and Labrador): Artist Development
Next submission deadline: November 8th, 2024
Funds diverse artists and music genres in the recording of singles, EP’s, full-length as well as marketing and promotional materials.
Who is Eligible?
Artists living in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Arts Nova Scotia: Individual Grants
Next submission deadline: November 15
This program supports professional, practicing artists in the creation and release of work. It also supports career development in the arts (including music and performance).
Who is Eligible?
Applicants must be professional artists who are Canadian citizens or landed immigrants as well as residents of Nova Scotia for at least 12 months prior to the application deadline.
Recording:
Creative BC: Sound Recording Program / Career Development – BC Artists
Next submission deadline: September 11, 2024.
Who is Eligible?
Emerging and established B.C. artists.
Creative Saskatchewan: Sound Recording
Next submission deadline: September 18, 2024
Funds recording and mixing. producers.
Who is Eligible?
Artists recording at Saskatchewan studios with Saskatchewan based producers.
Manitoba Film & Music: Music Program
Next submission deadline: September 19, 2024
Funds the recording of a demo (Level 1) or commercial release (Level 2, 3).
Who is Eligible?
Level 1, 2, and 3 artists within the Manitoba music recording industry.
Ontario Arts Council: Music Recording
Next submission deadline: November 7, 2024
Supports the recording of music in two categories: Demo/EP and Full-length album.
Who is Eligible?
Ontario-based musicians, composers, songwriters and beat producers.
Now go get that next recording funded and make sure to promote your release with Play MPE!