During East Coast Music Week in Charlottetown, PEI earlier this month, it was announced that Casino Nova Scotia has created an innovative Artist in Residence Program designed to support emerging Nova Scotian musicians. The $20,000 program, to be administered by Music Nova Scotia, will provide a local musician or group with support and opportunities to develop their career.
“We love, embrace and celebrate everything that is music in Nova Scotia,” says Helen MacMillan, Regional Vice President and General Manager of Casino Nova Scotia. “Live music is a significant part of the entertainment experience at Casino Nova Scotia for our customers, tourists, and employees. Investing in our Artist in Residence Program is a natural extension of our partnership with Music Nova Scotia. Throughout the year we provide opportunities to showcase established and emerging musicians such as Bruce Guthro, Dave Gunning, Heather Green, Jesse Brown, and Floodland.”
“This Artist in Residence Program is extremely beneficial for the continued development of our music industry,” says Scott Long, Executive Director of Music Nova Scotia. “Casino Nova Scotia has provided an opportunity that rarely comes along for our local musicians. With the funding and the exposure provided by Casino Nova Scotia combined with career support and performance opportunities through Music Nova Scotia, this program will open a lot of doors for the chosen artist.”
Applicants can apply online through the Music Nova Scotia website from April 14 to April 30. The evaluation process will conclude with a live performance of the finalists at Casino Nova Scotia’s Harbourfront Lounge in Halifax on Friday, June 6. This program will provide the selected musician/group with funding to assist with developing their career through recording, marketing, and live performance opportunities. Music Nova Scotia is administering the program and will provide career path support and exciting industry showcase opportunities such as Canadian Music Week, South by Southwest in Austin, TX, and Reeperbahn Festival in Germany.
