Advanced Education and Skills
Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
January 28, 2015

Strategic Investments Strengthen Music Industry

Province Celebrates East Coast Music Week

The East Coast Music Association is better positioned to successfully host East Coast Music Week 2015 as a result of a Provincial Government investment of $56,000 from the Department of Advanced Education and Skills Job Creation Partnership program. The funding will allow the association to hire five staff to assist with the successful implementation of Music Week 2015. Previously, $250,000 was announced by Premier Paul Davis in support of music week activities. The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development, attended the East Coast Music Award nominations today at the Rock House in St. John's.

"East Coast Music Week brings tremendous opportunities to the province's music industry, as well as networking, exposure and recognition opportunities for individual artists and the music industry as a whole. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is proud to provide a total of $306,000 in support of a successful East Coast Music Week 2015. I congratulate each and every nominee and wish all our valued east coast artists the very best for this year's awards."
- The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development

The East Coast Music Association is a regional collaboration of music industry professionals in Atlantic Canada. The primary activity of the association is the annual East Coast Music Week (ECMW), a five-day event that attracts industry professionals, talent buyers, media, and record labels from around the globe. Previously, ECMW has resulted in over $1 million in local, regional and international contract opportunities for members by providing them with global touring and licensing opportunities. Locally, ECMW also results in $4 million to $8 million in direct and indirect benefits to the host province.

"Supporting the music community in this province helps local musicians foster their talents and skills which ultimately plays a role in the success of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Provincial Government remains focused on creating jobs and opportunities to continue business growth and a strong economy."
- The Honourable Kevin O'Brien, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills

The $250,000 in funding provided by the Department of Business, Culture and Rural Development will support East Coast Music Week 2015 activities, events that foster, promote and celebrate East Coast music and its artists.

"The support ECMA receives from the Department of Advanced Education and Skills is tremendously valuable, as the five Job Creation Partnership positions are integral to the planning and execution of a successful East Coast Music Week. With this support, we can ensure that this year's event will leave a significant economic and cultural imprint on Newfoundland and Labrador."
- Andy McLean, Executive Director of East Coast Music Association.

Each year East Coast Music Week offers a dynamic array of musical showcases, seminars and industry-centered gatherings. Music Week 2015 will also involve an Awards Gala, SOCAN Song Writers Circle, Musical Showcase, and the ECMA International Buyers Program.

QUICK FACTS

• The Provincial Government is providing a total investment of $306,000 to the East Coast Music Association in support of East Coast Music Week 2015 activities.
• $250,000 is being provided by the Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development, and $56,000 from the Department of Advanced Education and Skills.
• East Coast Music Week East will be held in St. John's from April 8 - 12. The Gala event will be held at the Jack Byrne Arena in Torbay on April 9.
• The East Coast Music Association is a non-profit association dedicated to the music of Atlantic Canada. Additional information on the East Coast Music Awards can be found at: www.ecma.com .

- 30 -

Media contacts:

Tansy Mundon Director of Communications Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development 709-729-4570, 693-1865 tansymundon@gov.nl.ca	Michelle Hunt-Grouchy Director of Communications Department of Advanced Education and Skills 709-729-0753 michellehuntgrouchy@gov.nl.ca
Jeff Lawton Marketing and Communications Manager East Coast Music Association 1-800-513-4953 marketing@ecma.com

2015 01 28                              11:10 a.m.