As we’ve approached over a year of COVID-19 restrictions, one particular group has been affected greater than most. Most people would assume restaurants, bars, or small business owners have been faced with the greatest difficulties during the seemingly never-ending pandemic, however, musicians and artists alike seem to have been swept under the rug during the pandemonium.

With no way to make a living due to music venues still being closed and Vancouver’s introduction of an indefinite street performance ban, far too many musicians have been forced to put down their instruments and are in serious need of help.

Well, don’t fear much longer as Music BC and SoundON has pledged to grant over $500,000 in a province-wide campaign to help BC’s most vulnerable artists. The new line of funding will give successful applicants $5,000 and support more than 70 virtual shows.

So far, more than $186,000 has been awarded, equating to 579 industry jobs and 266 artists being supported according to Music BC. Of those recipients, 154 were female, 165 were Black, Indigenous, or Persons of Colour, and 58 were from the LGBTQ+  community.

One of many approved for the grant was Alexis Young, lead singer for Vancouver’s dream-pop band “Blonde Diamond.”

“Being a musician over this past year has been incredibly stressful and left a lot of our community with doubts about the future.”

“With live shows being cancelled, our primary source of income and creative release disappeared overnight.”

While government grants usually take a while to be received, Lindsay MacPherson, executive director of Music BC, highlights the importance of getting money in the hands of artists sooner rather than later.

“The criteria for applications is broad because the urgent need for financial support is vast.”

“It allows us to continue to showcase the diversity in British Columbia’s music scene, while offering real tangible support.”

If you are a struggling artist in need of desperate help, head over to SoundON’s website to fill out your application.