ECMA Awards, Festival and Conference Opens in Corner Brook

The east coast music industry is descending on the west coast of Newfoundland and Labrador today as the highly-anticipated East Coast Music Association (ECMA) Awards, Festival and Conference gets underway in Corner Brook.

The four-day event will see musicians and music industry personnel from Atlantic Canada and beyond gather for workshops, seminars, and musical showcases, and will culminate with a gala awards celebration on Sunday, March 1, at the Pepsi Centre.

The Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, said the Provincial Government is proud to support an event which promotes and celebrates both established musical performers and emerging artists.

�The annual ECMA event has traditionally showcased the remarkable talent this region of the country produces, while also serving as a launching pad for up-and-coming musical artists,� said Premier Williams. �It is much more than just an awards show. It is an opportunity for those in the music industry to avail of professional development opportunities, network with industry personnel, and gain increased exposure on the national and international scene.�

The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, said the Provincial Government recognizes the social and economic value of cultural industries.

�We are committed to supporting our music industry professionals and providing them with whatever support we can to build this industry,� said Minister Jackman. �Over the past three years, for example, our government has more than doubled annual funding for grants and programs to the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council and increased operational and program funding to Music Newfoundland and Labrador from $200,000 to $300,000 a year.�

Both Premier Williams and Minister Jackman will participate in ECMA activities over the weekend.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has provided a total of $275,000 in support of the 2009 ECMAs, including funding for organizational support, cultural export programs, and national promotion. This is the largest amount of Provincial Government support provided to the event in its 20-year history.

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2009 02 26                                   9:35 a.m.