Community Music Program for 1998

For a second year, aspiring amateur musicians and not-for-profit performing arts groups across Nova Scotia can apply for assistance under the Community Music Program.

As part of Nova Scotia's Years of Music initiative, the program assists in developing high-quality community music programs for residents and tourists.

All not-for-profit performing arts groups and not-for-profit community-based cultural and tourism organizations are encouraged to apply. The program covers up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs to a maximum of $2,500. Last year, 71 projects received funding.

To be eligible, proposals must involve creation of an activity that is either entirely new or new to the applicant, or involve a major new addition to an existing activity or event.

Eligible projects may include: music development, such as buying or repairing instruments, purchasing music, or musical instruction from professional musicians who do not normally work with the group; music presentation where new costs will be incurred for production or promotion; and opportunities to perform outside the province during which Nova Scotia can be promoted as a travel destination.

The Community Music Program is designed to reflect the cultural interests of all Nova Scotians. It is administered by four regional committees composed of representatives from regional development authorities, the local tourism industry and cultural community. Each committee reviews and approves proposals submitted within its region.

Completed application forms and supporting documentation should be submitted to the appropriate regional committee host by 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 15. Priority will be given to projects involving musicians who normally do not perform outside their own community.

To obtain a copy of the Community Music Program guidelines and a project proposal form, contact the committee host in your region:

For the South Shore, Southwestern Nova Scotia and the Annapolis Valley: Western Valley Development Authority, phone 902-665-4083, fax 902-665-2878

For northern, central and eastern mainland Nova Scotia (including Hants County): Guysborough County Regional Development Authority, phone 902-533-3731, fax 902-533-2064

For Cape Breton Island:
Tourism Cape Breton, phone 902-563-4636, fax 902-564-5422

For Halifax Regional Municipality:
Halifax Regional Development Agency, phone 902-889-4060 or 1-800-650-0039, fax 902-889-4059

The Community Music Program is part of the Years of Music, an initiative funded through the Canada/Nova Scotia COOPERATION Agreement on Economic Diversification. It is managed by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, through Enterprise Cape Breton Corp., and the Nova Scotia departments of Economic Development and Tourism, and Education and Culture.

For information about other Years of Music program activities, phone 902-424-5037 or fax 902-424-2668.