Media Release
Hamilton’s Musician Fair Payment Policy nominated for Music Cities Award
HAMILTON, ON - The City of Hamilton’s Musician Fair Payment Policy has been nominated by the Music Cities Awards in the category of “Best Initiative to Directly Support Musicians”. The winners of the 2021 Music Cities Awards will be announced on Tuesday, November 9, 2021.
The Music Cities Awards is a global competition designed to acknowledge and reward the most outstanding applications of music for economic, social, environmental, and cultural development all around the world.
The City of Hamilton’s Musicians Fair Payment Policy supports and increases community awareness of the importance of paying musicians fairly for their music performances. The policy ensures that musicians hired for city-led events are paid, at minimum, the current minimum annual rates established by the Canadian Federation of Musicians who are represented locally by the Hamilton Musicians Guild.
Quick Facts
- The virtual 2021 Music Cities Awards ceremony is free to attend with registration through www.musiccitiesevents.com/awards
- The City of Hamilton’s Musicians Fair Payment Policy was nominated for the 2021 Music Cities Awards by SuperCrawl and Sonic Unyon.
- The policy defines "City-led events" as those that are led and organized by City staff; events directed by Council or under the guidance of boards or committees; and/or when the City contracts a third party to oversee an event.
- The policy was approved by city council on June 23, 2021. In addition to the policy, the City of Hamilton directly supports musicians through initiatives such as the annual Musician Conference, Musician Development Program, Music Monday’s series, and others.
- The policy was created in response to advice and support from the local Music Industry – specifically the City’s Hamilton Music Advisory Team (HMAT) and the minimums are based on the fees recommended by the Canadian Federation of Musicians, represented locally by the Hamilton Musicians Guild Local 293 who are part of HMAT.
- The City’s Economic Development Action Plan recognizes the importance of the creative industries to Hamilton’s economy. The Musicians Fair Payment Policy furthers the Action Plan’s priories of “Facilitating a Skilled and Adaptable Workforce and Growing Business and Investments”.
- The Music Industry is one of the leading industries for economic growth within the sector, as Hamilton is recognized as 7th in the world for musicians per capita. Fair payment for music work is essential in maintaining and growing the industry.
- In 2018, the City of Hamilton became the first Canadian municipality to be awarded with a special SOCAN “Licensed To Play” designation that supports fair compensation for musicians and music creators.
Quotes
“The Musicians Fair Payment Policy is already a success for our city as we recognize that musicians are an integral part of Hamilton's economy. Our musicians are deserving of this recognition, and the city is pleased to show its appreciation by implementing a corporate policy that encourages and supports the fair payment of musicians for their work. The Music Industry is one of the leading industries for economic growth within the Creative Industries Sector and has direct benefit to Hamilton’s economy.”
- Mayor Fred Eisenberger
"Hamilton’s Musician Fair Payment Policy is something our division and the community can celebrate as it emphasizes the value musicians have in our city. This recognition speaks to Hamilton’s ongoing status as a growing music city where the arts and culture are truly appreciated for their importance within our community.”
- Carrie Brooks-Joiner, Director of Tourism and Culture
“Hamilton recognizes that musicians play an integral part in our city’s arts scene and economy. The City is the first municipality in the province to implement a corporate policy that ensures the fair payment of musicians. This international award nomination speaks to the ongoing partnership between the City and our music community. Thank you to Tourism and Culture staff, the Hamilton Music Advisory Team and the broader music industry in Hamilton for their role and support in this City policy.”
- Jason Thorne, General Manager, Planning and Economic Development
Additional Resources
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