First Up with RBCxMusic will provide
artists with $1,000 stipend and
mentorship opportunities
TORONTO, May 20, 2020 /CNW/ - Today, RBC
announced a new virtual performance series, First Up with
RBCxMusic that will support and promote emerging Canadian
recording artists and musicians through the challenging
circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Musicians and
recording artists who traditionally rely on income from paid
performances continue to experience financial hardship with the
suspension of live events. According to a recent survey by Music
Canada and Connect Music Licensing, nearly half of artists reported
they have lost more than 75% of their income since the crisis.
Applications for First Up with RBCxMusic are now open,
and beginning in June, the program will spotlight emerging artists
from across Canada who represent a
variety of musical genres to celebrate the vast musical talent we
have in our country.
RBCxMusic will select more than 100 artists to participate in
the program in 2020. Selected artists will receive a $1,000 stipend to perform a 30-minute virtual set
hosted on the artist's personal Instagram channel, with media and
promotional support from RBCxMusic. A schedule of each week's
musical performances will be shared at the beginning of the week on
the RBCxMusic Instagram Channel, with performances taking place
Thursday through Sunday evenings.
In addition to receiving funding and promotional support,
recipients will have access to mentorship and networking
opportunities with renowned Canadian artists through RBC's
partnership with Live Nation Canada.
"With live events and paid performances currently on pause, the
creative community is in need of support now more than ever," said
Matt McGlynn, Vice-President, Brand
Marketing, RBC. "First Up with RBCxMusic hopes to help fill
that void, so emerging musicians and recording artists can continue
to hone their craft, perform for fans and ultimately, progress
their young careers."
First Up with RBCxMusic is open to Canadian
recording artists and musicians between the ages 18 and 35, who are
in the early stages of their career and seek primary income from
their music. Submissions should include a brief biography, song
sample, artist imagery and Instagram handle. RBCxMusic will be
accepting applications for round one starting today.
RBC has a long-standing commitment to supporting emerging
creatives, demonstrated through programs such as the Music Video
Production (MVP) Project and the RBC Emerging Artists Project. At
RBC we believe the arts play an important role in creating strong
and vibrant communities, and in fostering creativity and
innovation. Dedicated to supporting the careers and development of
emerging artists, RBC offers funding, mentorship and training, as
well as networking opportunities. Since 2015, over 13,000 alumni
have been supported by the RBC Emerging Artists Project, through
the RBC Foundation's donations totaling over $8 million each year to hundreds of arts
organizations across Canada.
About RBC
Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with
a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading
performance. Our success comes from the 85,000+ employees who bring
our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients
thrive and communities prosper. As Canada's biggest bank, and one of the largest
in the world based on market capitalization, we have a diversified
business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional
experiences to our 17 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 34 other countries. Learn
more at rbc.com.
We are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives
through donations, community investments and employee volunteer
activities. See how at rbc.com/community-social-impact.
SOURCE RBC