COVID-19 September 21 Update
TORONTO, September 21, 2020 - Toronto Arts Council is committed to providing accurate and up to date information for the arts community throughout the COVID-19 emergency response period. See here for updated COVID-19 web pages and all prior TAC releases and assembled resources.
Performing Arts events in licensed facilities are EXEMPT from new COVID-19 regulations:
On Friday, the province announced new restrictions on gatherings. Please be advised that performing arts events in licensed or permitted facilities are exempt from this ruling and the former maximums of 100 attendees outside and 50 attendees inside will continue to apply. Note that events in parks continue to require permits. See ruling backgrounder here.
#iMissLiveTheatreTO - launching today:
Toronto’s Theatre, Dance & Opera Sectors Launch Weeklong Campaign to Celebrate the Live Performances That Would Have Been in 2020-21. At this time of year, the performing arts would typically be celebrating the launch of the 2020-21 season. Instead the industry continues to feel the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. See launch video here.
To participate and raise awareness of the effect of the pandemic on the theatre, dance and opera community in Toronto, visit #iMissLiveTheatreTO Campaign.
Toronto Arts Council teams up with City of Toronto for Digital Update:
Tuesday, Sept 29, at 2 pm, Claire Hopkinson (TAC Director & CEO) and Pat Tobin (Director Arts & Culture Services) will be joined by TAPA and Toronto Public Health to discuss the latest information and answer questions. Tune in to hear updates about ShowLoveTO, ArtsworxTO, LightsOn, venue safety, regulations and protocols. Click here to register - all are welcome.
Ontario Arts Council - Arts Response Initiative - Information Session:
Wednesday, September 30 at 2 pm, join Maura Broadhurst, Arts Sector Development Officer, to learn about the new Arts Response Initiative. This initiative was launched to support artists, arts groups and organizations as they navigate the negative impacts of COVID-19 on their artistic practices and operations. Grants are available for individuals, ad hoc groups, collectives, organizations, and organizational partnerships. Session is being hosted by the Alliance of Arts Councils of Ontario. Register here.
City of Toronto launches ShowLoveTO to help residents recover and rebuild:
ShowLoveTO is a local initiative that will encourage residents to show their love for Toronto by safely connecting with neighbours, supporting local businesses and artists, and exploring their city neighbourhoods to help rebuild the social and economic fabric of Toronto.
Creative Champions Network - Creating Truly Decent Work – in Times of Crisis and Beyond:
Toronto Arts Foundation's next CCN session will explore how the best boards have been responding, both before and during COVID, to the increasing urgency of ensuring that their organizations are supportive and equitable workplaces. Join presenters Lucy White, Nadia Bello and Lisa Marie DiLiberto as they imagine new ways to balance the financial needs of our organizations with the need to sustain the livelihoods of our most important resources: artists and arts-workers. For more information and to register.
PostScript Online Series on Accessibility, Disability, and Digital Publishing:
Public Access is presenting this free webinar series to connect artists, researchers, writers, academics, students, publishers, and distributors from around the world who work in publishing. TAC's Research & Impact Manager Shawn Newman moderates the first session. Schedule and registration here.
Toronto Arts Foundation Celebrates 2020 Awards Finalists:
On Thursday September 24, Toronto Arts Foundation will celebrate Toronto’s exceptional artists, cultural leaders and arts organizations at the annual Mayor’s Arts Lunch. Seven awards totaling $86,000 in prize money will be presented at the reimagined virtual ceremony. Read the announcement to learn more about the finalists and follow the conversation by using the hashtag #TOArtsAwards.
Upcoming Toronto Arts Council grant deadlines:
Artists and arts organizations may still apply for funding through our programs. The following programs are now accepting applications. For specific questions, please contact your Program Manager.
October 1 deadline: Animating Toronto Streets
October 15 deadline: Media Artists
November 2 deadline: Artists in the Library
Ongoing (apply before November 2): Indigenous Arts Projects and Visual Artists
Events
For online art events and offerings, please view our COVID-19 Arts Activations page.
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 pages 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 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