Well I didn't hold back when the city of Ottawa tried to cut arts funding so once again I'm going to wade out of my jurisdiction. A few minutes ago I got a not in my email that read:
"Music BC has received word that the Music Industry Travel Assistance Program (MITAP) is currently being reviewed by the new Minister and Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, & the Arts. We would sincerely appreciate it, if each of you could send an email or letter to the Ministry expressing your sincere thanks of their support of this program, and that you hope to see it continue for years to come. (Template below) We need to ensure that they know how much the BC music community appreciates having a program like MITAP to reach out to. For every artist/business that has ever wanted to apply, has applied, or has received funding, if we want opportunities like MITAP to exist, now would be a great time to express those sentiments.So if you live in B.C. the template is below. If you don't live in B.C. you might still drop a note and let them know that if B.C. artists don't tour people outside of B.C. will never hear of them AND now that more music is downloaded for free than purchased touring represents a huge part of recording artists income.
Please send all letters and emails to the Minister, Deputy Minister and Cultural Policy Analyst's Office. (Contact info is below) Please CC info@musicbc.org on any emails as well. Thank you so much for your continued support!"
Here is the template they mentioned for people in B.C. : don't forget to cc info@musicbc.org:
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Attn: Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts
I wanted to take the time to thank the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, & the Arts for providing the Provincial Music Industry Travel Assistance Program (MITAP) administered on your behalf by Music BC Industry Association. MITAP has helped to grow and sustain the British Columbia music community.
[For those who received money - please state what the money was used for and the benefit]
[For those wanting to access the money - please state what you would use the money for and the benefit from such money]
At a time in the music industry where live performance has become a critical component to an artist's development, I believe that this program is essential. Further, in the new music era, travel expenses for touring, showcases and business travel have been increasingly downloaded onto artists and it is now harder than ever to cover these expenses without some financial assistance.
Often it is the first few tours that are the hardest, but once a following is established, sustainable careers can be achieved from this initial work. MITAP provides that initial leg up that is so vital to moving artists to the next level in their careers and helping to establish that all important fan base.
In order to continue to promote the many talented musicians of British Columbia within and outside of the province, travel initiatives are frequently necessary. Many very successful tours and showcases would not have been possible had it not been for the support received from MITAP.
I understand the new Minister and Deputy Minister are currently reviewing the renewal of the Music Industry Travel Assistance Program for this upcoming fiscal year. I wanted to express my sincere thanks for this program and my hope that it to continue for many years to come.
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Minister's Office HONOURABLE BILL BENNETT PO BOX 9071 STN PROV GOVT VICTORIA BC V8W 9E9
E-mail: TCA.Minister@gov.bc.ca Telephone: 250 953-4246 Fax: 250 953-4250
Deputy Minister's Office PHILIP STEENKAMP DEPUTY MINISTER PO BOX 9846 STN PROV GOVT VICTORIA BC V8W 9T2
E-mail: Philip.Steenkamp@gov.bc.ca Telephone: 250 356-6981 Fax: 250 356-1195
LORA CARROLL CULTURAL POLICY ANALYST PO BOX 9819 STN PROV GOVT VICTORIA BC V8W 9W3
E-mail: Lora.Carroll@gov.bc.ca Telephone: 250 357-7148 Fax: 250 387-4099
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