Manitoba's music industry gets $462K in provincial money

Manitoba's music industry is getting a funding boost from the provincial government, which is investing $462,000 in a project aimed at opening new markets for musicians.

The money will go to the Manitoba Music Industry Growth Project, an initiative of Manitoba Music, which will help the province's music industry stay competitive globally

"This new investment will help up-and-coming artists enhance their opportunities to make it on the big the stage and will continue to make our music scene even more vibrant," Jobs and Economy Minister Theresa Oswald said in a news release Wednesday.

Manitoba Music is a non-profit industry group that represents more than 750 members including artists and bands, studios and agents, managers, songwriters, venues, promoters and producers.

"We would like to thank the government for recognizing the value and impact of our province's music industry and working with us to build a strong future," said Sara Stasiuk, Manitoba Music's executive director.

"This investment will allow us to offer new programming to bolster the activity of our industry, build the capacity of our companies and ensure that Manitoba music continues to reach beyond our borders."

Manitoba artists released 193 albums and played at 192 domestic and international showcases in 2013-14, according to the group.

Manitobans also secured nine Juno award nominations at this year's Juno Awards.

A 2013 economic impact study commissioned by Manitoba Music shows that the music industry generated a total GDP impact of $71.3 million and supported the equivalent of 4,363 jobs, according to the province.

Oswald said the government has invested more than $3 million to help musicians since 2001 under the Canada-Manitoba Economic Partnership Agreement.