Paul Seed Fund Provides over $235,000 in Grants to Boost London’s Live Music Scene
Paul Seed Fund Provides over $235,000 in Grants to Boost London’s Live Music Scene
Grants support activities coordinated through the London Arts Council and London Music Office
LONDON, ON: The Paul Seed Fund, held at London Community Foundation, today announced grants totalling more than $235,000 to boost live music performances in London by creating connections and opportunities for musicians, venues, and audiences. The grants will support live music activities coordinated through the London Arts Council and the London Music Office over the next year.
“London’s arts community has seen remarkable growth in recent years, and it’s truly inspiring to witness the creativity and passion that continue to emerge. I’m proud to support a fund that will foster greater participation across diverse artistic disciplines and help local talent flourish,” said Paul Seed, Founder and CEO of London-based StarTech.com, which celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2025.
Funding to the London Arts Council will support the expansion of the London Arts Live series, providing performance opportunities for London musicians in collaboration with local organizations and existing community events, such as Month End Music Mania with East Park, Island Fest London, and Friday Night Salsa with Latin Passion Dance Academy. Funding will also support London Arts Live busking festivals, featuring a wide variety of genres and a combination of solo artists and bands. See more planned events online at www.londonarts.ca/art-activations.
“This is wonderful news for London’s music/arts community, especially in economically, socially, and politically turbulent times like now. I am positive that this strategic investment and multi-sectoral partnership will become a significant milestone that puts us on a promising path to fully realize London’s great potential as a vibrant arts and culture hub,” said Eunju Yi, Executive Director, London Arts Council. “Consistent and resumé-enhancing opportunities are fundamental in creating conditions where artists and the sector can continue to grow and thrive. I am thrilled that through these exciting initiatives, supported by the Paul Seed Fund through the London Community Foundation, the London Arts Council will be able to showcase London's talented artists in a highly visible manner to Londoners and visitors while supporting diverse events and ongoing work of community organizations through curated and enriched artistic/cultural experiences.”
The London Music Office funding will support a range of initiatives aimed at fostering an environment that enables London’s music industry to grow and thrive. Initiatives to date include Tunes at Noon with Aeolian Hall, Artists Hosted Open Mics at XUUX, Juice Joint Open Jam at The Poachers Arms, a Local Opener program, and more. More details can be found at www.londonmusicoffice.com
“The Paul Seed Fund brings a welcomed investment into the local music ecosystem. The investment’s goal is to create sustainability for local musicians, presenters, and industry throughout London. Citing London’s UNESCO City of Music designation as proof of a thriving arts scene, this funding will increase greater participation within the local music sector. This is a fantastic opportunity to support programming that doesn’t fall under traditional funding sources. With a primary focus to provide stability within existing live music infrastructure, London Music Office is thrilled to be working with the London Community Foundation and the Paul Seed Fund to further develop London into a more robust, globally recognized music hub,” said Cory Crossman, Director, London Music Office.
“The generosity of the Paul Seed Fund to enhance London’s vibrant music scene demonstrates the power of community philanthropy in supporting our arts and culture,” said Diane Silva, President and CEO, London. “We are honoured to be part of this exciting initiative.”