CHANGES
Ontario Music Industry Rallies to Create MusicTogether
In an effort to provide a cash injection to Ontario musicians impacted by the effects of
COVID-19, members of the Canadian music community with support from the Ontario Min-
istry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries came together to create an emergen-
cy relief fund totalling $300,000. Launched on April 3 rd , MusicTogether.ca will facilitate live
concert streams by at least 300 Ontario-based artists, each of whom will receive a one-time
performance fee of $1,000.
Arts & Crafts and Shopify Inc. collectively donated resources to create and develop
MusicTogether.ca – a web platform where artists can apply for the funding, and where
audiences can find information on upcoming live-streamed performances from Ontario
musicians. Musicians can also use the platform to sell merchandise and take donations,
receiving the tools and specialized content to help them create their own online store
supported by Shopify. Musicians also receive $100 in Facebook ad credits.
For more information, go to www.musictogether.ca.
New Spotify Feature
Enables Direct Fan
Donations
Spotify has launched a new feature that
allows artists using the streaming platform
to raise money directly from fans, either
for themselves or an organization of their
choice. Available through the Spotify for
Artists portal, it’s called the “Artist Fundrais-
ing Pick.”
The Fundraising Pick button will appear
on the artist’s Spotify page, enabling fans
to tip the artist directly or contribute to
the artist’s band, crew, or a charity of their
choice. Also, any artist around the world
can leverage the option to fundraise for
one of the verified organizations partic-
ipating in the Spotify COVID-19 Music
Relief project, including Canada’s Unison
Benevolent Fund.
For more information, go to artists.
spotify.com.
14 CANADIAN MUSICIAN
Showcase BC Program Launched to Support West Coast
Artists During Pandemic
Creative BC and the Government of British Columbia have launched Showcase BC, a
$750,000 program to provide immediate support to B.C. musicians who have been affected
by the COVID-19 pandemic. Administered by Creative BC, the program supports emerging
and established artists as they create and perform. Micro-grants are awarded to B.C. artists
who are eligible and have previously applied to Amplify BC programs in order to support
livestreaming, songwriting, and professional development. Online performances are free
and available to the public at Showcase BC's website or through the hashtag #ShowcaseBC.
For more information, go to www.showcasebc.ca.