Alberta announces $650,000 funding increase for province's magazines

The Alberta government has announced funding boost for Alberta’s magazine publishers of $219,000 a year over the next four years. According to a post in  the Edmonton Journal, culture and tourism minister Ricardo Miranda said the funding — which increases annual support for the sector to $650,000 — will help grow a sustainable magazine publishing industry in Alberta.

“Alberta magazines are experiencing a renaissance and provide readers with unique literary and visual experiences,” he said. “I encourage all Albertans to pick up an Alberta magazine to explore new ideas.”

Joyce Byrne, president of the Alberta Magazine Publishers Association, said the cash will help boost capacity and broaden the impact of Alberta-grown magazines.

Alberta publishers produce nearly 200 titles annually, delivering 18 million copies to readers each year.

Quote, unquote: Impasse-able funding

“This Canada Council policy is going to be problematic for any Canadian publisher who wants to do something meaningful in the way of succession.If I can’t do it with Ken Whyte, I don’t think anyone can do it. Somebody needs to explain that to the Canada Council.”

-- Publisher Tim Inkster commenting in a story in the Globe and Mail about why a deal to sell The Porcupine's Quill t0 Ken Whyte is in jeopardy because of an apparent impasse about core funding from the Canada Council. 

Deadline for OMDC Magazine Fund is May 31

The deadline for the OMDC Magazine Fund 2018-19 is May 31, 2018 (by 5:00 pm ET). The Fund supports the business development of independent Ontario-based magazine publishers through the creation and implementation of new strategic initiatives that enable publishers to achieve business development and/or marketing objectives. Guidelines and the link to the online application portal. 

There are two information sessions in advance of the deadline: in person,  Wednesday, April 18, 2018, 10:00 am – 11:30 am ET at the Conference Centre, Main Floor, North Tower, 175 Bloor Street East, Toronto; the other a webinar Tuesday, April 17, 2018, 10:00 am – 11:00 am ET. 

Canada Council pushes back opening of online application portal to June 5

One of the features of the new Canada Council funding model was a sophisticated online application system, but things aren't working out as the council and applicants expected. The Council has had to push back the opening of the online portal from this week to June 5 because of what are called "technical issues". 

For many small arts groups, such as literary and cultural magazines, there is always pressure to meet deadlines and to receive funding they have counted on and budgeted for. This is on top of getting used to the new categories under which they could apply. And many of them fear that it may mean, at best, delayed payment.

"It was a difficult decision to make, but we could not take the risk that these issues would become a burden," Simon Brault, the chief executive of the Council told CBC News in an email. "We will have to re-adjust many internal processes in order to be able to accept applications from alternate means on an interim basis." 

Related posts:

• Canada Council unveils some funding details as it rolls out its new model
• Canada Council unveils "radical" new 6-program funding model; details still to come

Ontario Arts Council applications will now all be submitted online through new website

The Ontario Arts Council has launched a new website that will be home to its new online application Nova; all of the approximately 12,000 grant applications each year will now be submitted online. Some of the 2017 application deadlines have changed. Applications may be done two months in advance of the program deadlines. 

The new website and online application complement the major reworking of the OAC's funding framework which was recently announced and launched. (Some 31 magazines received funding in 2015 for a total of $574,383.)

Tuesday 24 is the deadline for Aid to Publishers apps to Canada Periodical Fund

The deadline for applications to the 2016-17 Aid to Publishers component of the Canada Periodical Fund's is coming up fast. Applications must be submitted by Tuesday, November 24. The applicant's guide is available at the Canadian Heritage website.

Canada Council unveils "radical" new 6-program funding model; details still to come

The Canada Council for the Arts today unveiled more of the framework of its new funding model, which will be rolled out in 2017. Details of such things as the application process will be released this fall. It is, if anything, more dramatically restructured than had been suggested, reducing the current 147 to just 6 national, non-disciplinary programs, at least some of which will bear directly on literary and cultural magazines which have traditionally relied upon operating and project funding from the writing and publishing section of the council. 

The new programs are (with definitions adapted from the council's statement)

• Explore and create: “artists, collectives and organizations focused on research, development, exploration and innovation in the creation of new work advancing their art forms.”
• Engage and sustain: “ supporting arts organizations in the production and presentation of ongoing, sustainable, high-quality artistic activities that engage the diversity of citizens within their communities and beyond.
• Creating, Knowing and Sharing Aboriginal Arts: “ supports Aboriginal artistic and cultural expression and the vitality of Indigenous artists, artistic practices and communities." 
• Renewing Artistic Practice: “supports innovation, collaboration, sustainability and adaptability in Canada’s professional arts sector." 
• Arts Across Canada: “ encourages the dissemination of excellent Canadian art across the country for the benefit of as many Canadians as possible." 
• Arts Abroad: “ supports the presentation and circulation of Canadian art and artists abroad."

More analysis and, doubtless, criticism will be heard in the days to come as the various interest groups and arts sectors weigh in, particularly when application details become known. 

Read more »

Magazines get funding that keeps them in the digital cultural media game

Magazines Canada has convinced the Ontario government to invest in a new interactive digital media (IDM) fund that will allow magazines to continue to be eligible for co-production activities. It will invest $6 million in 2016-17 and $10 million annually thereafter. 

The Ontario budget tabled 10 days ago was making major changes to the Ontario Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit (OIDMTC) that would achieve savings of $51 million this year and $89 million by 2017-18, mostly by eliminating enterprises that are not considered to be creating sufficiently robust digital cultural media products; one of the casualties could have been Ontario magazines.

Through the redesign and investment recommended by MC, Ontario has broadened the IDM fund's scope to include Ontario's magazines. Details of the funding are to be worked out with ministry staff. At the same time, the existing OMDC magazine fund remains in place.

"The Ontario Government has recognized the value of Ontario's magazine media as a contributor to the development of smart jobs in a digital economy," said Mark Jamison, Magazine Canada CEO. "Magazines Canada and its members will encourage other provinces to study this initiative."

OMDC issues call for applications for its Magazine Fund

The annual proposal call has gone out from the Ontario Media Development Corporation (OMDC) for its Magazine Fund, which supports the business development of independent Ontario-based magazine publishers. The ultimate deadline for applications is June 24, but information sessions are scheduled May 13 (webinar) and May 1 and applicants are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the information sessions. All applications are submitted online. 

The Fund is intended to assist creation and implementation of new strategic business and marketing initiatives, and digital activities that enable magazine publishers to achieve business development and/or marketing objectives. Eligible projects should have clear, objective and measurable results.

Guidelines and link for online application

On Spec magazine struggles with loss of Canada Council funding

Spring 2014

On Spec, the sci-fi and fantasy quarterly, has been receiving funding from the Canada Council for most of its 25 years of existence. Now, the magazine is facing tough times as funding for 2015 has been withdrawn. In the past it has received between $17,000 and $20,000 annually.

According to a story in the Edmonton Journal the reasons given by the arm's length jury was low quality of writing, poor production, design and layout and frequent typos -- all things that managing editor Diane Walton disputes. She says that On Spec has very few errors and the volunteer editorial staff selects only the highest quality content.

“We can’t understand what their criteria is. We just keep getting good stories as far as we’re concerned, but it’s not as far as they’re concerned. It’s so subjective.”

Canada Council spokesperson Tara Lapointe, while not commenting on the specific application, said that On Spec had received notices twice before that "funding could be reduced or withdrawn" -- intended to encourage improvements.

Walton said the magazine is cutting costs that it hopes won't sacrifice quality; the worst case scenario is that it would turn itself into a digital magazine, though "print is our tradition". The withdrawal of funding has helped to rally the troops.

“We’re angry and we’re motivated now. It’s a kick in the teeth but it’s like, Hey! We can do this! We have to push forward. We’re getting a lot of moral support from the community.”

Ontario magazine fund info sessions next week; deadline July 10

Ontario-based magazine publishers are being encouraged to attend either an in-person or webinar information session about the Ontario Media Development Corporation Magazine Fund. 

Advanced registration is required for both. Deadline for both the fund and the tax credit is Thursday, July 10 at 5 p.m.

The in-person session is Tuesday, May 27 at 2:30 (followed at 3:30 by a brief overview of the Ontario Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit.) The session will be held in the OMDC Conference Room - Third Floor, 175 Bloor Street East, South Tower.

The webinar is on Wednesday, May 28 at 2:30. Priority is given to people outside of the GTA and those with accessibility challenges. An invitation will be emailed with link and a password.

The Magazine Fund offers successful applicants up to $75,000 to assist in the growth of their businesses through new strategic and marketing initiatives and new digital activities. 

Guidelines and online application information.

Ontario Arts Council celebrates 50th anniversary

The Ontario Arts Council is celebrating  its 50th anniversary this year (its founding legislation was passed April 26, 1963) and it's worth celebrating its development and sustaining of nationally important literary and cultural magazines. 

Through its Grants to Periodicals program and through ancillary programs such as Compass, it has quietly strengthened magazine publishing in this country. (See the list of recent grant recipients.)

Still time for magazine organizations to apply for CPF funding

There's apparently still some money in the kitty for organizations and collaborative groups wanting to access the Collective Initiatives component of the Canada Periodical Fund for 2012-2013. But there's just one month to pull the application togegther. Organizations must send their application by September 30, 2012.

The Collective Initiatives component is intended to increase the overall sustainability of the Canadian magazine (and non-daily newspaper) industry by supporting broad‑based marketing plans, research into new technologies and projects that tackle systemic issues affecting the sector.  The other components are Aid to Publishers and Business Innovation (aimed at small- to medium-sized publishers.)

Detailed eligibility criteria, application requirements and forms are available at the Canadian Heritage (PCH) website by following this link: 

http://www.pch.gc.ca/eng/1268240166828/1268328701928

Less than a month 'til deadline for Ontario publishers to apply to OMDC Magazine Fund

For Ontario publishers, the deadline looms for the Ontario Media Development Corporation's Magazine Fund. Applications for 2012-13 are due Wednesday, September 12 for the fund, which offers up to $75,000 to Canadian-owned and -controlled, Ontario-based magazine companies with the aim of assisting strategic business and marketing initiatives.

For 2012, the fund is offering support for a limited number of digital-only magazines and increased emphasis has been placed on seeing greater innovation from all applicants, whether in print or digital. 

All applications are done via an online portal and corporate registration must be made before commencing an application. Applicants may apply for up to two projects, though each must have separate application forms.

Literary Press Group gets reprieve; Heritage Minister James Moore overturns funding denial

The minister of Canadian Heritage, James Moore, has overturned a decision that had cancelled $235,000 in funding this year for the Literary Press Group. A short statement from LPG says

The Literary Press Group of Canada has been given verbal notification that James Moore, the Minister of Canadian Heritage, has overturned the decision to end funding for its sales force, which serves 47 Canadian owned and controlled literary book publishers from seven provinces.

At this time we are awaiting more formal confirmation, but this is the news we needed to move forward and bring the 200 Canadian-authored books entrusted to us this fall to readers across the country.

We remain grateful for the support that the Department of Canadian Heritage has provided for this endeavour since 1992. This government’s commitment to the arts rings through best when everyday Canadians are prepared to step forward and demonstrate how much they mean.

We are grateful for the overwhelming public support we received from Canadian readers, writers, publishers, and industry colleagues. We look forward to bringing you the best of Canadian literary writing for years to come.

OMDC Magazine Fund to reward emphasis on innovation and measurability

The rules and focus of the magazine fund of the Ontario Media Development Corporation (OMDC) have been changed and will be in effect come the fund's September 12 deadline. The tweaks to the fund, which provides funding of up to $75,000 to Canadian-owned and controlled, Ontario-based magazines, were announced last week during MagNet and will be further explained at the information sessions scheduled for July 11.

Digital magazines will now be eligible for their share of fund; a limited number of digital magazines will be supported in what the OMDC refers to as a "pilot". And "innovation" will receive greater emphasis and will have greater weight in assessing applications*. The agency is also paying much closer attention to specific, measurable results. So it is better to deliver concrete data about return on investment and jobs created and retained in the province. 

Read more »

Literary Press Group suddenly loses federal funding

The Literary Press Group, which represents many small book publishers and markets their lines through small magazines, has confirmed that it is losing this year's funding from the Department of Canadian Heritage. Last year, the organization received $235,000. According to a story in Quill & Quire,the federal decision was communicated on Monday and executive director Jack Illingworth called the likely consequences "devastating".

“We believe that this decision is seriously misguided and has the potential to irreparably damage literary publishing in Canada. It just isn’t good public policy to fund the production of books and attack their connection to readers in the most destructive way possible.”

Quebec MP questions whether mens' magazines are culture

Criticism is being levelled at grants from the Canada Periodical Fund to a Quebec men's magazine publisher. Summum and Summum Girl, published by Editions Genex, received a total of $141,000 in 2010/11 and $191,719 in 2011/12 under the Aid to Publishers portion of the fund. 

"It's unacceptable," said Bloc Quebecois MP Maria Mourani Wednesday. "You can't just subsidize magazines like this one willy-nilly - there needs to be some logic to it. It's supposed to be about supporting culture, well, we should ask: what is culture? Is it just anything?"

Patrice Demers, president of Editions Genex, told Montreal radio station 98.5 FM he shouldn't be singled out when the funds are available to all Canadian publications.

"It's helping all Canadian magazines survive," he said. "Why is it different for Summum?"

MagsBC gets temporary financial reprieve

The Magazine Association of BC has received what it describes as "a stay of execution" as Canadian Heritage has reviewed and approved one of the two applications that had earlier been rejected. This gives MagsBC $125,020 to fund a number of projects (some of which have alreadywell advanced and for which money has already been spent) such as the 2012 magazine directory, MagsWest 2011 (held last June) and the association's BC Ferries initiative with the News Group. The $25,000 application for industry market research will not be revived.

MagsBC was thrown into crisis by the turndown in funding and warned its members that it was within weeks of closing its doors. 

The association says it may not see a cheque from Heritage until April, after an amended contribution agreement has been signed, though the ministry has said it will expedite things. As a result, the task force meeting was held Feb. 9 to consider ways of reacting to the crisis, current and ongoing and means of finding new ways to function and become self-sustaining. Among the suggestions is to expand the membership to other content providers and media publishers.

Mags BC thrown into financial crisis with refusal of $150k in funding from Heritage

The Magazine Association of BC has been thrown into a crisis by the rejection of two funding applications -- totalling $151,694 -- by the Department of Canadian Heritage and its Canada Periodical Fund. In a message to its members, the MABC board said it had requested a meeting with the heritage minister James Moore, following receipt of a Jan 12 letter from Ramzi Saad, Director, Periodical Publishing Policy and Programs, Cultural Industries, which stated that the applications did not meet “The Government of Canada’s ongoing objectives … to fund projects designed to deliver measurable and tangible results, to optimize available funds, and to meet the needs of Canadians.” 

In the meantime

"We now face a seriously depleted cash reserve, and existing resources will only keep our doors open for a few more weeks. There were projects within both applications that we did not start. Unfortunately, other projects needed some up-front spending and incurred administration costs during the wait between the CPF application deadline and their decision, particularly MagsWest 2011 and the BC Ferries initiative. Projects rejected cannot reapply for funding, nor can we claim for any funds already spent. If we wish to continue any of these projects, we will have to find funding outside the CPF."

Current short-term programming is continuing, with support from the Canada Council for the annual professional development conference in March and the popular Mag Scene on Main is being financed from money received from Access Copyright. But the future of the organization lies with its 77 member magazines and their suggestions for finding funding outside the CPF , said the board.

"Our Board is refocusing on the collective nature of MABC, and will continue to work towards becoming a self-sustaining organization by first fostering relationships with our membership. We believe that our ultimate goal is to make the BC magazine industry the strongest in Canada. But we can’t do it alone.
"We need enthusiastic and committed Board members who aren’t afraid of tackling a funding crisis, and we need them now. Experience is valued, but so is gumption."

A task force is being formed to work over the next three months to problem-solve in four areas: grants/partnerships, fundraising/sponsorships, Board/Committee recruitment/development, and advocacy.

"It’s the Board’s view that our current predicament is a chance to rebuild from the ground up. We’ll be calling upon you, our members, to ask questions, get involved, and guide us through this time of transition. We’ll be reaching out to many of you directly in the weeks ahead for your input on specific issues and activities."