Federal and Provincial Governments
Help Atlantic Canadian Musicians Compete in International Markets

The Government of Canada and the four provinces of Atlantic Canada announced today a joint investment of $98,000 in support of the East Coast Music Association (ECMA) and the Atlantic Canadian music industry. The contribution will fund the ECMA’s International Export Buyers Program, which allows Atlantic Canadian performers to showcase their talents to international buyers and provides them access to training to better access opportunities abroad.

“The Government of Canada is proud to support the ECMA’s International Export Buyers Program, which promotes talented Atlantic Canadian artists abroad,” said the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and La Francophonie. “This financial contribution will allow the region’s musicians to showcase their talents, while letting them gain knowledge and skills in the area of exports.”

The activities tied to the Export Buyers Program, which is in its 11th year, are taking place during the East Coast Music Week being held in Moncton, New Brunswick, April 11-15. The ECMAs is an annual event which includes a conference, an awards ceremony and music festival that rotates throughout the four Atlantic Provinces.

The 2012 edition will welcome some of the world’s leading music industry experts from home and abroad – including international buyers from the United States, Europe, Australia and the United Kingdom.

The goal of the program is to create export and business opportunities for Atlantic Canadian performers, publishers and managers in the music industry through buyers’ showcases, live performance pitch sessions, networking and matchmaking sessions.

“Newfoundland and Labrador is internationally-renowned for creative and talented musicians and performers,” said the Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development. “These musicians and performers are small businesses that make a valuable contribution to the province’s economy. Through the Export Buyers Program, representatives from the local industry are able to promote their product to a broader national and international market.”

ECMA is a non-profit association whose music presentation has grown from a one-day $1,000 event, to a four-day international conference which attracts industry professionals, talent buyers, media and record labels from around the globe.

“The recognition by the federal and provincial governments of our musicians and music industry as a vital part of Atlantic Canada’s industry and export activities is fundamental to our success,” said Su Hutchinson, Executive Director of the East Coast Music Association. “By supporting ECMA’s extensive domestic and international business development and marketing opportunities, these government bodies contribute directly to programs that deliver in excess of $5 million in direct revenue to Atlantic Canada.”

An investment of $98,000 for the Export Buyers Program is provided through the Canada-Atlantic Provinces Agreement on International Business Development (IBDA). The IBDA is a federal/provincial agreement between the Government of Canada (ACOA, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, and Industry Canada) and the four provincial governments in Atlantic Canada, and is designed to help Atlantic Canadian businesses enter, explore and succeed in international markets.

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2012 04 12                               3:00 p.m.