Arts Programs

Information for the Arts Community during the COVID-19 Crisis

The outbreak of COVID-19 presents extraordinary challenges for artists and arts & culture organizations in our community. We’ve compiled some announcements and resources on this page that may be helpful to you. 

Funding & Relief:

  • Government of Canada: The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB): Benefit of $2000 per month for wage earners, as well as contract workers and self-employed individuals who would not otherwise be eligible for Employment Insurance. Click here >>
  • Government of Canada: Announced up to 75 percent wage subsidy for qualifying businesses, for up to 3 months retroactive to March 15, 2020. Not-for-profit organizations will be eligible for this wage subsidy. More details to be announced. Click here >> 
  • Unison: Financial Aid for musicians. Click here >>
  • National Arts Centre & Facebook Canada: Fund for Canadian Performers Impacted by COVID-19. Click here >> 
  • Emergency Fund for Canadian Musicians Tops $1.5 Million (The Star): Click here >> 
  • Canadian Writers’ Emergency Relief: Emergency Fund for Professional Writers. Click here >>
  • The Photographer Fund: A $25,000 fund to help photographers impacted by COVID-19. Click here >>
  • Canadian Cinema Worker Fund: For Canadian cinema workers not eligible for EI. Click here >>
  • Patreon: Platform to set up recurring support from your fans. Click here >> 
  • Music Together: A emergency relief fund for Ontario musicians put together by the provincial government and members of the music community. Musicians apply for a one-time $1000 performance fe tiest to a livestream.  Click here >>  

Not-for-Profit Governance:

  • Ontario Government: Emergency Order that allows not-for-profit corporations incorporated under the Ontario Corporations Act (CA), the ability to hold virtual meetings; as well as extends the timeframe for AGMs to be held. Click here >>
  • Canadian Conversation Institute: Recommendations for Heritage Organizations. Click here >>   

Advocacy & Networks:

  • ALC Helps: Lifeline for Canada’s entertainment industry. Click here >>
  • Theatre Art Life: Survival Tips for Freelancers. Cick here >> 
  • CARFAC Canadian Artists Represention: Notice to members and community during Covid-19. Click here>>
  • Canada Council for the Arts: Information and Assistance. Click here >>
  • The Canadian Dance Assembly: Tools and Supports. Click here >> 
  • Ontario Non-Profit Network: Resources to Help Non-profits Adapt and Respond to Covid-19. Click here >> 
  • Canadian Independent Music Association: Information and resources for Canada's Music Industry. Click here >>
  • Canadian Actors Equity Association: Represents artists working in theatre, opera and dance. Click here >>
  • Canadian Musician: For Canadian artists and the industry that supports them. Click here >>

Online Training & Resources:

  • Business and the Arts: How are you Adapting? A webseries to share approaches, best practices and hopefully to inspire others who may be struggling with adapting during these uncertain times. Click here >>
  • Artscape: Navigating COVID-19 Resources for Creatives and Creative Entrepreneurs. Click here >>   
  • Artscape Daniels Launchpad: Free Online Programming for Artists and Arts Organizations. Click here >> 
  • The Generator: The Economics of COVID-19 for Individual Art Workers. Click here >> 
  • CBC: Resources for Canadian Artists and Freelancers. Click here >>
  • Globe and Mail: How to apply for EI and other Covid-19 emergency government income supports. Click here>> 

Sharing Your Stories:

  • I Lost My Gig: A place for vulnerable freelance artists and gig workers to share their stories and connect. Click here >>
  • Collingwood Community Forum
  • Route 26: Bringing together Local Musicians and their online Music Offerings. Click here >>    
  • Social Distancing Festival: A site for celebrating art all over the world and coming together as a community at a time when we need it more than ever. Click here >>