COVID-19 October 16 Update
TORONTO, October 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.
Exceptions to closures of performing arts venues announced for October 17:
Effective October 17, the province announced revised restrictions on gatherings for Toronto including the requirement to close performing arts centres and venues, with exceptions for rehearsals and broadcasts without audiences. These modified Stage 2 restrictions will be for a minimum of 28 days and reviewed on an ongoing basis. See ruling backgrounder here.
CERB (Canada Emergency Response Benefit) has now ended and been replaced with the new:
Mayor Tory to host Summit on the Future of the Hotels, Entertainment and Hospitality Sectors on Monday, October 19:
- At 10:00 am on Monday October 19, the Canadian Urban Institute presents Mayor Tory's Summit on the Future of the Hotels, Entertainment and Hospitality Sectors, moderated by Mary Rowe. Speakers on behalf of the Theatre sector are: Jacoba Knaapen, TAPA, John Karastamatis, Mirvish Productions and Regine Cadet, Theatre Passe Muraille.
- Register here to attend
Toronto Arts Foundation's 2020 Awards Presentation:
On Thursday September 24, Mayor Tory joined Toronto Arts Foundation for a reimagined virtual Mayor's Arts Lunch where $86,000 in arts awards were presented. The event was hosted by Jesse Wente, broadcaster, Director of Indigenous Screen Office and Chair of Canada Council for the Arts and CBC radio host Errol Nazareth and featured a performance by jazz great Molly Johnson. A full recording and transcript of the event can be found here, and the complete listing of award recipients here.
Toronto Live Music Venue study released:
The City of Toronto and the Canadian Live Music Association, in partnership with Downtown Yonge Business Improvement Area and Ontario Creates, released the results of a long-awaited Toronto venues study last week, Re:Venues: A Case and Path Forward for Toronto’s Live Music Industry. The study confirms that the total economic impact of Toronto live music venues is $850 million annually, providing the equivalent of 10,500 full-time jobs.
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.
November 2 deadline: Artists in the Library
November 2 deadline: Indigenous Arts Projects and Visual Artists
December 14 deadline: Animating Toronto Parks
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