By Jane Litchfield
All kinds of artists and arts organizations are feeling the impact of the cancellations and isolation measures in response to COVID-19. Below is a list of supports and resources for creative workers, compiled as of March 24. Many of these sites are updated regularly. Don’t forget to track your losses — and stay safe!
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Canada Council for the Arts lists government resources for arts workers and FAQs on their own grants and programs.
Photo credit: Qimono from Pixabay
Ontario Arts Council posts regular updates, including links to sector-specific resources and guidelines for grant recipients.
For all sectors, this extensive and regularly updated list from CBC Arts includes emergency funding, advocacy groups, training resources, mental health resources, and temporary remote job listings.
Work in Culture also has a comprehensive list including resources for writers and LGBTQS artists and performers.
This comprehensive list from Music Ontario offers resources for musicians as well as for small businesses and general information on the Coronavirus.
This Music Canada survey on how COVID-19 is affecting artists is due March 27.
Unison Benevolent fund offers counselling services and financial assistance for musicians.
Canadian Dance Assembly lists resources including tools for tracking and reporting losses.
I Lost My Gig Canada Facebook group is a space for artists and other vulnerable freelance and gig workers in Canada and beyond to share stories and resources.
Cities & Memory has a listing of sound resources and projects including free apps and digital synths, and tips on staging a virtual live music event. They are also accepting new listings of sound resources.
Some ways Indigenous artists are coping.
Guelph-Specific Resources
The City of Guelph provides information on City services, closures, transit, as well as health links
Public Health Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph is the main local source for health information
Guelph Coronavirus Community Response (not affiliated with the city) includes listing of where to find free meals in Guelph, how to connect online and other resources
Guelph Arts Council’s Sue Richards Artist Relief Fund has a small amount of funds for artists affected by illness.
Government
Government of Canada’s financial support listings for individuals and businesses.
Additional Government of Canada support for businesses. There is also a government of Canada free app with resources all in one place. Go to your app store and search “Canada Business”
Sharing your work
Our member Sharyn Seibert is challenging visual artists in The Ward (or anywhere) to hang art in your window. Children are also welcome to contribute to the “Ward Walk-By Gallery”
The GAIN StayHome Festival is presenting a series of streaming shows brought to you by GAIN Music (Guelph & Area Independent & New Music). Local musicians and artists can visit the GAIN Music Facebook page to get involved or email GAIN at [email protected]
Musicians are also invited to chat through the page.
Authors who are doing online readings can let CBC Books know and they will share it.
National Arts Centre is funding live performances on Facebook.
The Social Distancing Festival is showcasing work from all over the world, including art exhibitions and livestreaming events. Submissions welcome.
Please continue to submit your safe event listings for our e-news and calendar. If members would like to share your online stores, or if you’re sharing your work on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, please tag us and we’ll pass it on. The healing power of the arts is more important than ever. Take care.
