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Alberta is taking another step toward strengthening its music industry with the appointment of Jennifer Venance as the province’s first-ever music commissioner.

The appointment is part of the Alberta Music Action Plan, launched earlier this year with the goal of growing the province’s music sector, attracting investment, supporting local artists and creating new opportunities for music-related businesses.

As music commissioner, Venance will serve as a central connection between the provincial government and Alberta’s music community. Her role will include strengthening industry partnerships, supporting business development, promoting Alberta artists and helping create opportunities for musicians and music businesses both within the province and beyond.

“From Paul Brandt to Tate McRae, Alberta has produced some of the world’s best musical acts,” said Tanya Fir, Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women. “That’s why we’re proud to welcome Alberta’s first music commissioner, who will help more talented artists succeed and grow an industry that contributes billions of dollars to Alberta’s economy.”

The Alberta Music Action Plan identifies music as both an important contributor to the provincial economy and a source of cultural pride. The new commission is expected to build on that foundation by developing strategic partnerships, promoting Alberta talent and helping artists and businesses reach new audiences and markets.

Venance brings more than 20 years of experience as a musician and music educator to the position. She most recently served as director of K-12 curriculum and French education with Alberta Education and Childcare.

Her background in government, arts education and community engagement gives her experience on both the educational and administrative sides of the sector, while her career as a musician provides firsthand knowledge of the opportunities and challenges facing Alberta artists.

“Music has the power to connect people, strengthen communities and create economic opportunity,” Venance said. “Alberta is home to extraordinary artists, organizations and industry leaders and I am honoured to serve as the province’s first music commissioner.”

Venance said she looks forward to working with the music sector to build on Alberta’s existing strengths, support growth and create new opportunities for Alberta music both at home and around the world.

The Alberta Music Commission will be modelled in part on the province’s Film Commission, with an emphasis on bringing artists, businesses and industry leaders together while helping create an environment where the sector can continue to grow.

Andrew Mosker, president and CEO of the National Music Centre and co-founder and chair of West Anthem, welcomed the appointment.

“Alberta’s music sector is excited to welcome the province’s — and Canada’s — first provincial music commissioner,” Mosker said, describing the move as recognition of the economic and cultural opportunities created by investment in music.

The commission will work with artists, producers, venues, festivals and music retailers, providing the sector with a dedicated advocate focused on partnerships, growth and expanding Alberta’s presence in the music industry.

For a province already known for producing successful artists across a variety of genres, supporters say the initiative could help Alberta’s music industry build on that reputation while creating additional economic and cultural opportunities.

Alberta’s Music Industry by the Numbers

According to the province:

• Alberta’s music sector supports more than 23,000 jobs.
• The sector generates almost $5 billion in economic output annually.
• Music contributes approximately $2.5 billion to Alberta’s GDP.
• The Alberta Music Action Plan was launched April 30 as the first music strategy of its kind in Canada.
• The plan was developed through research, industry studies and roundtable discussions involving representatives from across Alberta’s music sector.

The Alberta Music Commission is expected to help showcase Alberta talent, celebrate industry achievements, advocate for the sector and attract new opportunities and investment to the province.

For Alberta musicians and the businesses that support them, the new position represents another voice at the table — one focused specifically on helping the province’s music industry find its next stage of growth.

(Source: Government of Alberta)