Investment Levels

The Music PEI Investment Program has two deadlines per year, one in the spring and one in the fall. Only PEI residents who are Music PEI members are eligible to apply. There are 3 levels of investment:

Artist I

Up to max $2,000 per applicant.

Artist II

Up to max $3,500 per applicant.

Artist III

$8,000 one-year program.

Selection Process

Applications for Music PEI’s Investment Programs undergo a thorough review process to ensure they meet eligibility criteria. Applicants are encouraged to meet with the Program Officer prior to submission for guidance and to strengthen their applications.

Jurors are carefully selected from a pool of experienced music industry professionals. This includes:

  • Past delegates of Showcase PEI and the Canadian Song Conference.
  • Other artists, producers, and Music Industry Association staff from outside PEI with a working knowledge of the Island’s music scene.

To maintain impartiality:

  • Jurors are rarely drawn from individuals actively working in PEI’s music industry. It can be difficult to retain impartiality with such a small community.
  • Music PEI Board members and staff are excluded from jury participation.

Jurors bring diverse expertise, including but not limited to:

  • Artists, recording engineers, broadcasters, and producers.
  • Music supervisors, publishers, agents, managers, label representatives, festival programmers and promoters.

Scoring

Music PEI’s scoring system was developed to ensure a fair and transparent process for every applicant. Applications are graded out of 100%, with criteria tailored to the specific funding category or program goals. Final aggregated scores determine whether an applicant receives funding and, if so, the amount granted.

Scoring Breakdown
  • 90–100: Excellent – professional and detailed application.
  • 75–89: Good/Great – solid application but missing some details or supporting information.
  • 65–74: Needs Work – lacks key details or important supporting information.
  • 64 and under: Insufficient – missing crucial details to meet professional or artistic standards.
Key Considerations
  • Due to limited funds, not all eligible applications can be supported.
  • Some applicants may receive partial funding, depending on budget constraints.
  • Music PEI is an industry association, not an arts council. Jury decisions focus on the business quality of applications rather than solely on artistic merit. Evaluations assess:
    • The applicant’s understanding of the music industry.
    • How funding will support their career growth.

Jury Preparation

Jurors are provided with a comprehensive information package to ensure fairness and consistency in evaluations. The package includes:

  • A description of the program’s objectives (e.g., supporting emerging artists or funding specific categories).
  • A detailed scoring rubric with examples to guide evaluations.
  • Information on any minimum cut-off scores required for funding approval.

Before serving, jurors must complete a conflict of interest form, which requires them to:

  • Declare any potential conflicts.
  • Agree to maintain strict confidentiality about the adjudication process.

Jurors are instructed to use their best judgment when scoring, applying criteria fairly within the context of each project’s style and genre. This preparation ensures they are equipped to assess applications thoroughly and uphold Music PEI’s commitment to supporting artists and developing the Island’s music industry.

Which Applications Go to an External Jury?

The following applications are reviewed by an external jury:

  • All program applications, including Golden Ticket, Diverse Voices, and any new submission-based programs developed by Music PEI.
  • All applications for the Canadian Song Conference, including the Listening Sessions and the Songwriter Challenge.
  • All applications to Showcase PEI.
What Is Decided by an Internal Committee?
  • Export applications to partner music festivals and conferences are decided in collaboration with the partnered organization.