COVID-19 March 12 2021 Update

COVID-19 RESPONSE MARCH 12 UPDATE FOR THE ARTS COMMUNITY

TORONTO, March 12, 2021 - 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.

NEW FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES:

Supporting Arts and Live Events Workers in response to COVID-19: The Department of Canadian Heritage has announced $181.5 million in new funding to support the planning and presentation of COVID-19 safe events in the arts and music sectors – including both live and digital – and provide work opportunities. Funding will be disbursed in grants:

Canada Council is accepting applications from arts groups, collectives and organizations to adapt or create works for virtual audiences through the Digital Now program
Canada Council is accepting applications from artists, including new and early career artists as well as groups and organizations to the Explore and Create Program
Canadian Heritage is accepting applications to the Support for Workers in the Live Arts and Music Sectors Fund

The Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) - Deadline is MARCH 31.

As of December 4, 2020, not-for-profits could be eligible for an additional $20,000 CEBA loan, on top of the $40,000 previously available. The deadline to apply for a $60,000 CEBA loan or the $20,000 expansion is March 31, 2021.

WEBINARS AND TOWNHALLS:

The Canada Arts Presentation Fund (CAPF) team at Canadian Heritage’s Ontario Regional office is hosting a series of town halls in the week of March 16 to provide information on the fund. Click here for more information and to register for the town halls.

Tax Time For Artists: At 2:00 pm on March 17, TAC is hosting a webinar with Sam Marinucci, FCPA, FCA, MBA, Partner with Hogg Shain & Scheck and a long time arts supporter, to answer your questions about personal income taxes, including how to account for arts grants on your tax return, what to include as income, what expenses are eligible, what about work from home deductions and the tax impact of government COVID benefits. Click here to register and submit questions.

REOPENING PREPAREDNESS:

With the move to grey lockdown, Toronto is one step closer to reopening - now is not too soon to prepare:

Safe Travels Stamp: TAPA (Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts) and CLMA (Canadian Live Music Association) have each partnered with the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) who is administering the national Safe Travels Stamp in Canada program. The Safe Travels Stamp is an international symbol designed to help travelers & consumers recognize businesses and organizations which have adopted health and hygiene, standardized protocols - so consumers can experience 'Safe Travels'. Apply here for the Safe Travels Stamp. Eligible companies including theatres, live music venues, festivals and others will be able to display the stamp based on worldwide industry protocols, including the approved LightsOn Venue Reopening Guide developed in partnership by Ryerson University, Toronto Arts Council and Foundation, TAPA and TO Live.
COVID-19 Testing: For TAPA members considering COVID-19 testing to allow safe reopening, TAPA has announced a new partnership with SWITCH HEALTH which includes preferred pricing for COVID-19 testing. Full details to access preferred testing here.

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:

Sign up here for the City of Toronto CultureTO and BusinessTO newsletters.
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.

Contact Information
For information, please contact Susan Wright, Deputy Director: 416-392-6802 x 211 | susan@torontoartscouncil.org