COVID-19 March 20 Update
TORONTO, March 20, 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 20 Updates:
A bit of good news for the television and film sector to start the weekend:
Netflix Media has allocated $100 million for Emergency Support for Workers in the Creative Community. Included in the support package is $15 million in emergency relief to be distributed by non-profit organizations, including $1 million to be shared by AFC and Fondation des Artistes.
Other Recent Announcements of Emergency Funding Initiatives:
Akin Rent Relief Fund: accepting applications from current Akin artists and creatives; and seeking donations to support the fund
National Arts Centre unveils $100,000 relief initiative: artists can apply for a $1,000 grant to support a 45- to 60-minute livestream performance planned between March 19 and 31.
Online Communities for Artists
Toronto Arts Council will be listing the many artists events which have moved online. For example, this evening, it is possible to see Canadian soprano Measha Brueggergosman perform live in concert at 7 p.m. at the Great Hall in Toronto.
Daily updates will be provided under the heading Online Communities for Artists on TAC's COVID-19 Updates page.
TAC Previously Reported:
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 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.
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