MUSICACTION

MUSICACTION is a non-profit* organization that was established in August 1985 at the initiative of Quebec radio broadcast workers and the Quebec recording and entertainment industry. It seeks to foster the development of music and the organization of an independent Canadian sound recording industry. MUSICACTION supports the production and marketing of French language vocal music, classical music, international music and instrumental music. English language vocal music projects are referred to FACTOR.

Eligibility Criteria

Criteria vary according to the component.

Summary

MUSICACTION's board of directors consists of fourteen voting members and one observer appointed by the Department of Canadian Heritage. It includes five representatives from the broadcast industry, four industry representatives named by the Association québécoise de l'industrie du disque, du spectacle et de la viéo (ADISQ), two representatives of writers and composers named by the Société professionnelle des auteurs et des compositeurs du Québec, and three representatives knowledgeable about the Canadian music industry.

The Department of Canadian Heritage, through the Canada Music Fund, has contributed $5 million to MUSICACTION's funding. Private radio broadcasters have contributed close to $2 million. Furthermore, annual payments of more than $500 000 are received from recording artists and producers.

Programs
Applications must be submitted by April and September of each year. Projects are approved in June and November of each year.

In February 2002, MUSICACTION signed a contribution agreement with the Department of Canadian Heritage pertaining to the administration of two Canada Music Fund programs, namely:

• New Musical Works; and
• Collective Initiatives.

The program New Musical Works consists of five components, that is:

• album production;
• domestic marketing;
• international marketing;
• sales; and
• demo assistance to artists living outside Quebec.

New Musical Works
Album Production
This component is intended for the production of an album or musical DVD. Re-editions and compilations are not eligible. It is aimed at recording artists and producers. Equity loans of up to $50 000 are awarded in the case of direct approval loans and up to $35 000 in the case of loans recommended by juries.

Assistance is automatically granted to writers and composers of musical albums financed by MUSICACTION. Such assistance is aimed at fostering the creation of an original repertory of music and author-composer collaboration. Eight hundred dollars is awarded for each original song or composition, with $400 for the lyrics and $400 for the music. Assistance is limited to the Canadian portion of the work.

Domestic Marketing
This component is aimed at supporting the domestic marketing of an album through three types of activities: promotional activities, image generation (video clip, visual portion of a musical DVD or image capture for other uses) and showcasing activities (marketing and showcasing a paid performance). It is intended for artists, record companies and producers. Financial assistance in connection with this component may be awarded up to $50 000.

International Marketing
This component is aimed at supporting the distribution and marketing of an album on a territory other than Canada. Promotional and showcasing activities, i.e. the costs related to showcasing a performance, are eligible. As a rule of thumb, the performance must generate talent fees or box office revenues. Financial assistance up to $50 000 may be granted in connection with this component. 

Sales
This component pertains to domestic and international sales. It is aimed at developing new markets and supports the participation of sound recording professionals in trade fairs and private meetings. Priority is granted to albums funded by MUSICACTION.

Demo Assistance to Artists Living Outside Quebec
This component is designed to finance the production of a demo and supports the promotional activities related to this demo. It also provides further training to artists so they can become more professional in their field and become known to recording industry players. Priority is granted to artists starting their career. Maximum financial assistance awarded is $9 000.  

Collective Initiatives
This program is aimed at stimulating the development of the Canadian sound recording industry and supporting the regional, domestic and international presence of Canadian companies and artists. It is intended to finance activities aimed at achieving these goals. Assistance is provided in the form of a financial participation. These broad-based initiatives take the following forms:

• Promotional Activities: awards of industry prices, peer recognition events, specialized singing events, trade fairs, collective virtual initiatives.
• Training Activities: seminars, conferences, singing workshops.
• Sale Activities : participation of non-profit professional associations in trade fairs, seminars and conferences.

Application Date
Applications must be submitted by April 2007 (date to be determined).

The file must be duly completed, signed and submitted to:
MUSICACTION
432 Sainte-Hélène Street
Montreal QC  H2Y 2K7
Telephone: 514-861-8444 / 1-800-861-5561
Fax: 514-861-4423

*Note: "non-profit" also known as nonprofit organizations, non profit organizations, not-for-profit organizations, voluntary organizations and volunteer organizations.

Ontario Contact(s):
See National Contact.

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National Contact(s):
Information Desk
MUSICACTION
432 Sainte-Hélène Street
Montréal, Quebec  H2Y 2K7
Telephone: 514-861-8444
Fax: 514-861-4423
Toll-free (information): 1-800-861-5561
E-mail: fondation@musicaction.ca