Doug Currie praised the idea, which was called for in a report that was unveiled during the 2017 East Coast Music Awards in Saint John, N.B., on the weekend.
The “Striking A New A-Chord” report, which was commissioned by the East Coast Music Association (ECMA), Music Canada and Music Canada live, said developing the strategy would be beneficial not only for those who work in the music sector but for the whole region.
Currie, who spent much of yesterday participating in Music Monday initiatives on P.E.I., said he was extremely supportive.
“We look forward to exploring the strategy and any opportunities to further support artists in our province and region,” said Currie. “(The strategy could be) very positive not just for the current development of artists, but for the future as well.”
Currie is well-versed in the benefits of regional collaboration after handling P.E.I.’s health and education portfolios.
He also pointed to the ECMAs as “an excellent example of what we can do while working together in terms of putting East Coast music on the map.”
Andy McLean, executive director of ECMA, said in a statement that music is fundamentally linked to Atlantic Canadian culture and that supporting the sector translates into helping small businesses, retaining youth in the region and developing artists to compete at an international level.
“The first step to harnessing these opportunities is creating a pan-Atlantic strategy,” said McLean.
The report also noted a landmark partnership between five music industry associations, including Music P.E.I., Music N.B., Music Nova Scotia, Music N.L. and the Cape Breton Music Industry Cooperative.
The report was commissioned at last year’s ECMAs in Sydney, N.S., and highlighted numerous barriers for musicians in Atlantic Canada. Some of those concerns included stringent liquor laws, changing business models, restrictions on live venues and a lack of industry infrastructure.
Among its recommendations, the report called for the development of an Atlantic Canadian Music Fund that would seek to provide resources to complement existing programs, attract investment and develop and incentivize musicians and music related businesses to reinvest in Atlantic Canada.