“Publishing and entertainment industries put Alberta’s stories into the movies that we see and the songs that we hear. The publishing sector preserves and celebrates Alberta’s cultural heritage and provides a wealth of education and entertainment,” said Tanya Fir, minister of arts, culture and status of women.
“By providing stable and ongoing support to our books, magazines, movies and music, we’re creating a stronger economy and putting Alberta’s culture on local and international stages and screens.”
Government officials say operating and project grants through the Alberta Media Fund play a critical role in the province’s publishing and entertainment industries.
For example, they say their support for book publishing helped the Book Publishers Association of Alberta create a curriculum-based catalog of made-in-Alberta books. It also helped the association compile a digital collection of accessible Alberta published eBooks, the largest of its kind in Canada.
“We’re grateful for the support of Alberta’s government for our industry, and for the additional funding increment that we received this year. We have seen the impacts of significant, sustained funding for the film industry, and how that industry has grown and succeeded as a direct result,” said Matt Bowes, president of the Book Publishers Association of Alberta.
The Alberta government reiterated that Budget 2024 maintains funding in cultural industries, with more than $2.5 million to support music, books and magazines and close to $5.5 million to support producers in the province in creating Alberta content for smaller budget film and television productions.
“We were pleased to see the continued $8-million investment in the Alberta cultural industries, Alberta Media Fund and the post-production grant (PPG). The funding will help foster the growth and success of screen-based productions,” said Mark Wood, president and GM of Studio Post and chair of Alberta Post-Production Association.
“The post-production grant is a game changer and unique to Alberta. No other province offers a grant like the post-production grant.”
Read More: Alberta invests $8M in Alberta Media Fund for publishing and entertainment