COVID-19 March 16 Update
TORONTO, March 16, 2020 - Toronto Arts Council is in constant contact with our partners at the City and is committed to providing accurate and up to date information for the arts community throughout the COVID-19 emergency response period. All prior releases and assembled resources are available here.
March 16 Updates:
The federal government has closed its borders to those who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents (Americans currently exempted).
The city and province are recommending all bars, restaurants, night clubs and movie theatres be closed effective March 16, with exceptions for take-out service. The City also recommends that all employees stay home.
These restrictions, of course, have a profound impact on every Toronto resident, including artists. With event cancellations and social distancing, the economic loss to those working in the gig economy are immense. Toronto Arts Council is working to find solutions to make sure that the arts are at the table and our artists are not forgotten.
A reminder for producers postponing or cancelling events to track impact. Any potential compensation to be released following the crisis period will require documentation of impact; consider spending the time now to track and document revenue loss.
External Emergency Funding Initiatives Announced To Date:
Woodcock Fund Grant — emergency funds for writers mid-project
NABS financial assistance for media, marketing, and communications pros
The AFC — Emergency financial aid for entertainment pros
Unison — financial aid for musicians
Emergency Survival Fund for LGBTQ2S artists, performers, tip-based workers
CANADIAN Low-Income Artist/Musician Relief Fund
TAC updates:
During these unprecedented times, Toronto Arts Council will be sending regular bulletins to our mailing list about COVID-19 updates, the steps we’re taking to help the Toronto arts community, what you can do to help, and more.
Please forward these regular bulletins on to friends and colleagues.
For those who are not on our mailing list, SIGN UP to receive regular COVID-19 bulletins from Toronto Arts Council. You may unsubscribe by clicking on the link at the bottom of this email at any time.
A note for all TAC grant recipients:
With the outbreak of COVID-19, TAC is aware that grant recipient organizations may face extraordinary challenges.
For specific questions and to advise TAC of concerns, please contact your program manager.
Organizations or collectives may postpone or adjust projects affected by the COVID-19 outbreak without penalty from TAC.
Organizations receiving core funding will not be required to have replacement programming for events or activities that are delayed, changed or cancelled due to COVID-19.
Contact TAC: Please note that TAC staff will remain available to answer your questions and provide updated information throughout the outbreak. Please contact us any time.
Other resources: Please see the TAC COVID-19 Updates page for links and resources including statements from Canada Council for the Arts and Ontario Arts Council.
About Toronto Arts Council
Toronto Arts Council (TAC) is the City of Toronto’s funding body for artists and arts organizations. Since 1974, TAC has played a major role in the city’s cultural industries by supporting a very broad range of artistic activity. From the emerging artist to the most established, from celebrated institutions to arts that challenge convention, TAC is typically the first funder to offer support. Today, TAC grants lead to exhibitions, performances, readings and workshops seen annually by over 9.5 million people. Through its ongoing funding of over $18 million annually, TAC cultivates a rich engagement between artists and audiences. It is proud to reflect Toronto’s vibrancy through the diversity of the artists, arts communities and audiences that it serves. For more about Toronto Arts Council, visit www.torontoartscouncil.org
Contact Information
For information, please contact Susan Wright, Deputy Director:
416-392-6802 x 211 | susan@torontoartscouncil.org