In recognition of the role that music plays in the culture and economy, the Smithers District Chamber of Commerce secured funding to create a Music Strategy 2018 to support and grow this economic sector. This project was initiated as part of the Music City Toolkit initiative, which was developed by Music Canada and distributed by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. Together with the Chamber’s leadership, a partnership with the BV Arts Council, and funding from the Province of British Columbia through Creative BC’s Industry Initiatives Program, this project was initiated. The Music Strategy 2018 was coordinated by Liliana Dragowska Planning and Community Engagement Services with support from Lauren McKay. The Music Strategy can be downloaded and viewed here: Smithers District Chamber of Commerce Music Strategy (pdf 3mb)
As a part of the Music Strategy Implementation, the Smithers District Chamber of Commerce secured further funding to create this website to act as a portal and resource for all things music in the Smithers area. This project was funded through Creative BC and Northern Development Trust Initiative in 2018. The website was created by Coffee Web Development in collaboration with Bachrach Communications and based on the resources found through the Music Strategy 2018.
In parallel to the Bulkley Valley, On May 30, 2018, Music Canada Live, Canada’s national live music industry association, launched Here, The Beat: The Economic Impact of Live Music in BC. This assessment of BC’s live music sector identifies a number of challenges, opportunities, and insights into the live music industry in BC. Key highlights of the study include:
- The live music contributed 6,950 FTEs, $619.3 million in labour income, and $815.8 million in GDP to the BC economy in 2017.
- A vibrant live music industry provides the conditions that the broader music industry requires to thrive. It is increasingly becoming the financial lifeblood for the wider music sector.
Our hope is that the work started locally, paired with provincial and national music sector initiatives, will instigate further collaboration and momentum in the Bulkley Valley in raising the profile of our thriving and rich musical community. Implementation of the Smithers District Music Strategy will need to be a collaborative effort by the local municipalities and regional district, the Smithers District Chamber of Commerce and organizations, businesses and individuals involved in the music sector. If you are aware of information or resources that may be missing from this website please get in touch with the Smithers District Chamber of Commerce by calling (250)847-5072 or email.
The Music Strategy Project in Smithers was so popular that an article on it was featured in Planning West Magazine authored by Liliana Dragowska. The magazine's content is dedicated to forward thinking communities and we're privileged to have our Iniative featured in it. This website was one of the results of the strategy, created by CoffeeWeb Design and funded by Northern Development Initiative Trust.Smithers Music Strategy featured in Planning West Magazine