The Ontario Music Fund Is Now Permanent: Thank You To The Government Of Ontario
The Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA) and MusicOntario congratulate the Ontario government on its decision to permanently continue the Ontario Music Fund (OMF) at $15 million per year. This commitment, contained within Ontario’s 2015 Budget, is a clear demonstration of the Government’s leadership and support for Ontario’s music industry.
"The Ontario government's commitment to make the Ontario Music Fund permanent is welcome news, and will give our industry the confidence to invest in Canadian artists for years to come," says CIMA President Stuart Johnston. "We applaud the government for its continued support of the Ontario music industry."
A three-year, $45 million fund created in 2013, the OMF has proven to be a critical driver of growth in Ontario’s music sector and the economy. The largest in Canada, the Government’s investment into the OMF is paying off already: the data shows that the first year of OMF support has created or retained 2,000 jobs and created $24 million in additional revenues for music companies. CIMA’s and MusicOntario's member companies and artists have benefitted from the support provided through the OMF to create jobs, drive tourism, and grow their businesses and artistry to new heights.
"We congratulate the Ontario government for its generous and continued support of our sector through the Ontario Music Fund,": says Rick Fenton, Executive Director of MusicOntario. "From its inception, the OMF has helped to springboard the success and expansion of our diverse and competitive sector. We look forward to helping our members and stakeholders to continue producing tangible benefits that highlight Ontario as one of the world's most creative artistic hubs."
The permanent continuation of the Ontario Music Fund was a key advocacy initiative of CIMA and MusicOntario. We are grateful for the support and leadership demonstrated by the Ontario Government in continuing the Ontario Music Fund, which has been a successful driver of investment for the music community in this province.
For more information, please contact:
Lisa Fiorilli
Research & Communications Coordinator, CIMA
lisa@cimamusic.ca // 416-485-3152, ext. 223