The B.C. government announced today that $22.5-million in funding has been set aside for the province's music industry over the next three years through Amplify BC.

The announcement was made through a press release sent out from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, which is headed by Melanie Mark.

"Over the last year musicians have comforted us and inspired us," said Mark in the press release. "Now they need our support to come back stronger than ever.

"We heard the call to action from the music sector," she added, "and I know that by continuing to work together we will support our talented artists, sustain our vital music businesses, and continue making our mark in the music industry."

Amplify BC is the province's music fund, and is administered by Creative BC. According to the Creative BC website, Amplify BC will deliver funding through four streams serving B.C. artists, live music presenters, music companies, and the development of the music industry.

"I know what the music industry has gone through this past year," said parliamentary secretary for arts and film Bob D'Eith in the same press release, "because I've been working closely with musicians, producers and businesses. People told us they needed stability and we listened. For the first time, government is committing three years of funding for Amplify BC. This is huge for the music industry."

The Amplify BC 2021-22 programs and funding deadlines will be announced this summer. Interested parties can subscribe to Creative BC's music industry newsletter for updates regarding future program launches, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines.