The program, which started in 2008, has benefitted a host of Cape Breton artists including Breagh Mackinnon, the Beaton Sisters Band, Carleton Stone, Slowcoaster, Carmen Townsend, Dave Sampson, Crowdis Bridge, Angelo Spinazzola, Chrissy Crowley, Jason MacDonald, and Dwayne Cote. The funding has helped artists perform at domestic events featuring international showcases like the East Coast Music Awards and Conference, North by North East, Canadian Music Week, Winnipeg Folk Festival, Le Grande Rencontre and Folk Alliance International. As a result, Cape Breton artists have been invited to perform at festivals around the world, including Festival Interceltique de L’Orient (France), Shetland Folk Festival (Scotland), South By South West (America), Woodford Folk Festival (Australia), and Peats Ridge Sustainability and Arts Festival (Australia). The program has also helped with tours in Japan, Australia, Republic of Ireland, United Kingdom, France, and America.
“The Cape Breton International Music Export Program has been the single most accessed program that CBMIC offers,” says Albert Lionais, CBMIC’s Operations Manager. “Over the span of this program, having just finished its third iteration, CBMIC has seen the program balloon into an incredibly valuable service to Cape Breton artists who are developing new international markets.”
“At the close of the 2012-2013 program, CBMIC saw a 300% rise in applications over the previous program,” continues Lionais, noting that the program itself is increasing awareness and opportunity for international market development. So much so, in fact, that CBMIC personnel are feeling the strain of processing all those applications. Fortunately, they don’t need to look far to find a solution as local company Marcato Digital Solutions just happens to be a global leader in productivity for the music industry. CBMIC has hired Marcato and is working with them to digitize the entire process allowing applicants, jurors and CBMIC staff to upload and review applications, process information into usable statistics, communicate with one another and generally bring the funding program into the digital age.
“Our organization is delighted to be able to offer this program again,” says Jennifer Currie, Chair of CBMIC’s board of directors. “With the help of the International Music Export Program, Cape Breton artists and groups are succeeding in growing new international markets and seeking out new export opportunities.”
There is no deadline for applications and projects will be dealt with on a first come, first served basis until all funds have been exhausted. All applications for funding will be assessed by a jury of music industry professionals as appointed by CBMIC’s board of directors.
For more information, please contact CBMIC by phoning (902) 549-2221 or by emailing albert.lionais@gmail.com.
