#ValueABVenues

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Alberta venues need your help. With upwards of 20 Alberta venues already permanently closed, the remainder are at risk of closing in upcoming months. We need your help drawing attention to this dire situation so Alberta’s music ecosystem does not collapse. With 80% of Canadian’s (Music Canada survey; Link: HERE) planning to return to live music events post-pandemic, they could be a vital part of recovery, but can only do so if they are still around.

While venues have seen some support, it is not enough. We thank the Provincial Government for the one-time Small & Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant up to $20 000. However, most small to medium-sized venue’s fixed costs (rent, property tax, insurance, etc.) can range from $7000- $55,000 and without the ability to operate since March 2020, our situation remains dire.

ASK: Please share your favourite venue memories by posting a video or picture, sharing a story, a description of why you love the space, what they do for your community, and/or what they have done for your career on your socials.

Please end by asking your peers, fans, and the municipal, provincial, and the federal government to #valueABvenues #supportcanadianvenues (using the hashtags).

WHY:

Independent music venues;

  • Make a vital contribution to Alberta’s economic, social, and cultural life.

  • Employ staff and artists, engage other industry elements, pay taxes.

  • Provide essential gathering places for Alberta’s varied cultural communities.

  • Give local musicians a career springboard.

  • Attract and retain creative young people.

  • Help shape a civic identity by valuing and promoting music and culture.

  • Play an essential role in exporting our culture nationally and internationally.

  • Bring travel and tourism spending to Alberta.

SUPPORTING FACTS:

21,260 jobs supported by the Alberta music ecosystem:

  • 8,435 in Calgary

  • 7,107 in Edmonton

$2.01 Billion total GDP of Alberta’s music ecosystem:

  • $820.76 m in Calgary

  • $687.53 m in Edmonton

25% - growth of the Alberta music ecosystem between 2010 and 2017

1.0% of Calgary’s and 0.9% of Edmonton’s total workforce work in music.

$600 - Median yearly spend by fans on music.

39% of the surveyed music fans in Calgary and 45% of Edmonton fans attend live music shows at least once a month pre-pandemic.

#SoutenezNosScènes, #SupportCanadianVenues, Alberta Music, Alberta Spotlight, Alberta Venues, CALL TO ACTION, CCSI, CIVC, Edmonton Live Music, Help Musicians, Live Music & Touring, Soutenez Nos Scènes, Starlite Room, Starlite Sessions, Support Canadian VenuesAndrea KotylakValue Alberta Venues, ValueABVenues