Have grant money, will rock out. The New York Times takes a look at government subsidized rock bands from around the world, and how they're having a wide-felt cultural impact. This new phenomenon makes cultural ambassadors of rock bands, raising awareness of their home country and boosting exports, or so it's hoped.

"Heather Ostertag, chief executive of Factor, the public-private Canadian agency that oversees music funds, said it controls a budget of roughly $12.4 million and handed out awards to one-third or more of the 3,800 applicants who sought support last year. Broken Social Scene and its label, for example, have been offered more than $140,000, she said. The Arcade Fire and Stars were also beneficiaries."

Grants help bands tour, produce albums and reach a larger audience in the U.S., which is good for the artists involved. They also boost the "street cred" of other musicians who share the same origins.

[via The New York Times]