The Alberta government has appointed its first-ever music commissioner who is mandated to grow the province’s music industry. Jennifer Venance, a musician and music educator of more than 20 years, will take the position. More recently she served as director of K-12 curriculum and French education. “Alberta is home to extraordinary artists, organizations and industry leaders and I am honoured to serve as the province’s first music commissioner,” said Venance in a statement Monday. Venance will be responsible for implementing the Alberta Music Action Plan, which is aimed at connecting industry leaders, supporting business development and championing initiatives that create opportunities for entrepreneurs and music businesses. The Music Commission builds on similar work done by Alberta’s Film Commission, which will apply a similar model. Andrew Mosker, president and CEO of the National Music Centre, applauded the province in appointing Alberta’s — and Canada’s — first provincial music commissioner. “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,” said Mosker, who is also the co-founder and chair of West Anthem. The Alberta Music Action Plan was launched in April and is the first of its kind in the country.
