A New Voice To Sing Alberta’s Song – Alberta’s Inaugural Music Commissioner

Alberta’s government is proud to welcome Jennifer Venance as the province’s inaugural music commissioner. Her appointment marks an important step in implementing the Alberta Music Action Plan, which seeks to grow Alberta’s music industry.

The music commissioner will serve as a central point of contact between our government and the music sector, strengthen Alberta’s musical ecosystem and create new opportunities for musicians across the province. The commissioner will also help connect industry leaders, support business development and champion initiatives that create new opportunities for Alberta entrepreneurs and music businesses.

“From Paul Brandt to Tate McRae, Alberta has produced some of the world’s best musical acts. That’s why we’re proud to welcome Alberta’s first music commissioner, who will help more talented artists succeed and grow an industry that contributes billions of dollars to Alberta’s economy.”

The Alberta Music Action Plan, which launched in April, recognizes music as both a source of economic growth and cultural pride. The new music commissioner will build on that momentum by advancing strategic partnerships, promoting Alberta talent and helping the sector reach new audiences and markets at home and around the world.

Jennifer Venance brings with her a proven record of leadership in government, arts education and community engagement. Most recently, she served as director of K-12 curriculum and French education with Alberta Education and Childcare. Her more than 20 years as a musician and music educator have also given her firsthand knowledge of the industry as well as the talent, entrepreneurship and innovation that continue to drive Alberta’s music industry forward.

“Music has the power to connect people, strengthen communities and create economic opportunity. Alberta is home to extraordinary artists, organizations and industry leaders and I am honoured to serve as the province’s first music commissioner. I look forward to working alongside the sector to build on Alberta’s strengths, support growth and help create new opportunities for Alberta music at home and around the world.”

Building on the proven success of Alberta’s Film Commission, the Music Commission will apply a similar model to help grow Alberta’s music sector. By connecting artists, businesses and industry leaders, the commission will help create the conditions for continued growth while strengthening Alberta’s position as a destination for music creation, performance and investment.

“Alberta’s music sector is excited to welcome the province’s − and Canada’s – first provincial music commissioner. We applaud the Government of Alberta for recognizing the tremendous economic and cultural opportunities and potential that come from investing in music, and for demonstrating leadership nationally. We look forward to working with the new music commissioner to advance the economic and untapped potential of Alberta’s artists, creators, businesses and broader music industry.”

Through the Alberta Music Commission, artists, producers, venues, festivals and music retailers will have a dedicated champion focused on growing the sector, strengthening industry partnerships and expanding Alberta’s presence in the industry. With a keen advocate at the table, Alberta’s music sector will be better positioned to tackle challenges, seize opportunities and continue to grow for years to come.

Quick facts

• The Alberta Music Action Plan was launched on April 30 as the first music strategy of its kind in Canada.
• Alberta’s music sector supports more than 23,000 jobs and generates almost $5 billion in economic output annually, contributing about $2.5 billion to Alberta’s GDP.
• The action plan was developed through research and engagement with Alberta’s music industry, including ecosystem studies and roundtable discussions with sector representatives from across the province.
• The Alberta Music Commission will work to showcase Alberta talent, celebrate industry achievements, advocate for the sector and attract new opportunities to the province.