COVID-19 April 16 Update
TORONTO, April 16, 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.
Emergency Funding Support Updates:
More Artists will now qualify for Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB):
Eligibility criteria for CERB have changed. It is now possible for applicants to earn up to $1,000 of employment income each month, and still qualify for CERB payments. In addition, royalty payments do not need to be included in the $1,000 maximum. This is a huge benefit for self-employed artists, many of whom may have retained some work or receive some royalties which had previously disqualified them for the federal funding program.
Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)
This program is providing interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to eligible businesses:
- Not-for-profit organizations with $50,000 to $1 million in total payroll in 2019 can apply
- If the loan is repaid by December 31, 2022, up to $10,000 (or 25%) will be forgiven.
- Apply at financial institutions and credit unions.
Thank you to the many donors to our TOArtist COVID-19 Response Fund!
Thanks to hundreds of very generous donors, the TOArtist COVID-19 Response Fund has raised $344,096 since it was launched on March 26, bringing the fund total to $794,096. To date, 382 artists have received direct deposits. Special thanks go to major donors: RBC Foundation, the Slaight Family Foundation and the Azrieli Foundation. Visit here to make a donation and for a complete list of donors.
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 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