Applications open for Demo Recording Grant Program (Canada)

Deadline: 25-Mar-2026

The Demo Recording Program supports new and emerging artists from systemically excluded groups in British Columbia by providing $2,000 grants for demo recordings and mentorship with local music producers. The program emphasizes skills development, professional growth, and industry opportunities, with projects taking place between January 1 and December 1, 2026.

Overview of the Program

The Demo Recording Program by Creative BC is designed to reduce barriers for emerging artists in music creation while providing mentorship and professional development opportunities. The initiative also invests in local producers to mentor new talent and create sustainable business opportunities within the music industry.

Key program goals include:

• Supporting systemically excluded artists and producers in launching music careers

• Facilitating skills development and professional growth

• Investing in producers to mentor and develop new artistic talent

• Creating new business opportunities for producers and recording studios

Funding Details

• Total Budget: $200,000 to support 100 projects

• Grant per Project: $2,000 for recording and mentorship expenses

• Advance Payment: $1,500 upon signing the funding agreement

• Final Payment: $500 upon submission of the completed recordings and final report

• Project Timeline: January 1, 2026 – December 1, 2026

• Funding Use: Covers demo recordings in commercial, home, or mobile studios within British Columbia

• Public Release: Not required for funded projects

Program Activities

Eligible activities include:

• Demo recordings of original works

• Genre-appropriate arrangements or interpretations

• Mentorship sessions led by producers throughout the creative and recording process

Non-supported projects:

• EPs, albums, remixes

• Standalone mixing or mastering

• Self-produced applications without producer mentorship

Who is Eligible?

Artists and producers must:

• Be B.C.-based and meet residency, tax filing, and good-standing requirements with Creative BC

• Artists must be new and emerging

• Producers must be active in mentoring and recording

Systemically excluded groups supported include:

• Indigenous Peoples

• Black artists

• People of Colour

• People living with disabilities

• Deaf or hard of hearing individuals

• 2SLGBTQIA+ people

Band or group eligibility:

• The primary songwriter, lead artist, or at least 50% of members must identify with one or more eligible groups

How to Apply

1. Joint Application: Prepared by the artist and producer, with the producer as the primary contact

2. Application Deadline: March 25, 2026, at 4:00 PM PT

3. Required Materials:

   • Artist and producer pitch statements

   • Music samples

   • Signed agreement outlining business relationship and copyright ownership

   • Completed self-identification forms

4. Submission: Applications submitted online via the Creative BC portal

5. Funding Disbursement:

   • $1,500 advance upon agreement signing

   • $500 upon submission of final report and recordings

Mentorship Component

Mentorship is a core requirement of the program:

• Producers guide artists through creative, technical, and production processes

• Supports professional growth and industry readiness

• Encourages long-term skill development beyond the demo recording

Why This Program Matters

• Reduces systemic barriers for historically underrepresented artists

• Provides financial support and professional mentorship to emerging talent

• Strengthens local music industry ecosystems by investing in producers and studios

• Encourages inclusive music creation and equity in career opportunities

Common Tips

• Ensure both artist and producer meet eligibility and residency requirements

• Clearly define the mentor-mentee relationship and project roles in the agreement

• Submit strong music samples showcasing originality and skill

• Complete all self-identification forms accurately

• Plan project timelines within January–December 2026

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply for the Demo Recording Program?
New and emerging B.C.-based artists from systemically excluded groups, working with eligible B.C. producers.

2. How much funding does each project receive?
$2,000 per project, with $1,500 upfront and $500 after project completion.

3. Are public releases of the recordings required?
No, public release is not mandatory.

4. What types of projects are eligible?
Demo recordings of original works or genre-appropriate arrangements with mentorship. EPs, albums, and self-produced projects are not eligible.

5. What are the residency requirements?
Both artist and producer must be residents of British Columbia, meet tax filing requirements, and be in good standing with Creative BC.

6. Can bands apply?
Yes, provided the primary songwriter, lead artist, or at least half of members identify with an eligible group.

7. When is the application deadline?
March 25, 2026, at 4:00 PM PT.

Conclusion

The Demo Recording Program empowers emerging B.C. artists from systemically excluded groups to access funding, mentorship, and professional guidance for demo recordings. By combining financial support, producer mentorship, and skills development, the program helps artists launch careers in music while fostering an inclusive and thriving local music industry.

For more information, visit Creative BC.