City of Toronto partners with Drake's OVO Sound on music industry consultation
Toronto City Council has directed staff to consult broadly with the local music industry regarding the formation of a Toronto Music Advisory Committee. The purpose of the advisory committee is to assist with the creation of a strategic action plan that maximizes the impact of City support for the Toronto music industry, including the preferred forms of support.
Drake's OVO Sound, a Toronto-based record label active in developing and promoting local musical talent, has offered to work with the City on this project. OVO has made Toronto an international tourist destination through its annual OVO Fest festival and concert scheduled for this weekend at the Molson Amphitheatre.
"The City’s intent is to work with our local music industry to create a series of short, medium and long-term strategies for this key economic cluster," said Councillor Michael Thompson (Ward 37 Scarborough Centre), Chair of the Economic Development Committee. "Our goal is to develop and promote local talent, and to position Toronto as a leading live music tourist destination."
"We're proud to help the city we love foster music talent and to promote Toronto as a premier music destination," said Oliver El-Khatib, Co-founder, OVO. "The OVO Fest grows every year, and shows the potential of what's possible for Toronto. This is an exciting development and we're thrilled to help in every way we can."
The provincial government recently established a three-year, $45-million Ontario Music Fund to support the production, distribution, performance and international promotion of music made in Ontario. Toronto is developing its own local strategic action plan working in collaboration with the Province.
On October 24, the Economic Development Committee will receive staff recommendations on the structure, mandate and terms of reference for the Toronto Music Advisory Committee