COVID-19 April 30 Update

TORONTO, April 30, 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.

Tools and Resources for Artists and Arts Organizations:

Surviving Extraordinary Times: The Board's Role in Organizational Resilience: All Board members of arts organizations are invited to join the Creative Champions Network, offering guidance and resources for board members, now through zoom webinars. All sessions are free, including the next one, May 1 - tomorrow - on surviving extraordinary times. To register for the session or join the network contact alexandra@torontoarts.org.

For Artists: Neighbourhood Arts Network is offering a Mentor in Residence program for support in career planning, project development and entrepreneurial skills through virtual consultation sessions. Register here.

For Organizational Leadership: LEAN Canada: Leadership Emergency Arts Network Information for Organizations: Advisers with experience in the sector in strategic decision-making, crisis management, financial analysis, board direction, relationship mediation, HR management, inspirational leadership offer pro bono phone/zoom calls with organizations requesting some outside help/an ear/expertise.


Emergency Funding Programs and Updates:

Ontario-Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (OCECRA): The Ontario Government is committing $241 million to partner with the federal government and deliver more than $900 million in rent relief to small businesses and their landlords. OCECRA will lower rent by 75% for the months of April, May and June for small businesses including non-profit and charitable organizations. It is expected that OCECRA will be operational by mid-May.

Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS): Has opened the application portal for a 75% wage subsidy to eligible employers, including not-for-profit organizations for up to 12 weeks, retroactive to March 15, 2020. The CRA website also has a useful wage subsidy calculator for those organizations intending to apply for CEWS.

 
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