Folk Music Ontario would like to thank the Canadian Government, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Minister of Canadian Heritage Pascale St Onge, for the increase in support to Canada Arts Presentation Fund(CAPF) and the Canada Music Fund(CMF) in the 2024 Federal Budget.
Released yesterday, the budget allocates $31 million over two years (starting 2024-25) to the CAPF, supporting organizations that professionally present arts festivals/performing arts series. The budget also includes $32 million over two years (starting 2024-25) to the CMF supporting the development and promotion of Canadian musicians and Canadian music.
This funding represents a pivotal demonstration of support for our music community, directly benefiting all levels of our membership. Thanks to our community who responded to our calls to action, and our industry partners- in particular CIMA and CLMA - in advocating for this increase.
The budget also proposes $50 million over four years to support creative workers who may be impacted by Artificial Intelligence (AI), starting in 2025. We look forward to working with our industry partners to advocate on behalf of creators in the music industry for a comprehensive support system.
While there is lots to be thankful for in this budget, we will continue to ask the government to make the increase to CAPF permanent. Folk Music Ontario looks forward to collaborating with the federal government on these new initiatives, to ensure that they are effectively implemented to best serve the Canadian music community.
For more information on the 2024 budget, please click here.