COVID-19 June 26 Update

TORONTO, June 26, 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.

 
Toronto enters Stage 2 Reopening: What does it means for arts & culture

TAC teamed up with EDC, TAPA, Ryerson and Toronto Public Health on June 24 to present a digital update of information regarding public arts & culture programming options. David Absalom of EDC provided this very helpful diagram of public health requirements for reopening:

 

 

Additional guidelines for reopening can be found here.
A full recording of the session is here, and the transcript will be available here on Monday June 29.

Research & Events
Community Arts Canopy Town Hall: On June 25, Art Starts, North York Arts, East End Arts, UrbanArts, Scarborough Arts, Lakeshore Arts, Arts Etobicoke, Jumblies and Vibe Arts with support from Neighbourhood Arts Network hosted 97 members of the community arts sector to explore how COVID-19 affects community arts organizations, collective and groups. The goal of the forum was to provide a platform where colleagues and peers could discuss critical issues including need for new funding, additional supports, access and accommodations and changes to funding models. A summary report of the event will be published soon at Neighbourhood Arts Network.

Shutdown and resilience in Toronto's arts & culture sector: Toronto Foundation has published research outlining the impact of COVID-19 on Toronto's arts sector. It won't be a surprise to learn that workers in the arts are among the most affected. Click here to view full report.

Canada Day in Toronto: Toronto is celebrating Canada Day next Wednesday with livestream shows throughout the day Great Canadian Pancake Breakfast, Culture Jam, and Ready for Prime Time featuring many Toronto artsits. Downloadable celebration kits are available. Torontonians are also invited to nominate their everyday hero at RespectTO.ca. Nominated names will be broadcast throughout the show. The virtual event is co-produced by Harbourfront Centre, with additional support from programming partner TO Live. The event is made possible in part by the Government of Canada.

For more online art events and offerings, please view our COVID-19 Arts Activations page.  

Emergency Funding Support

CERB: Canada Emergency Response Benefit
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)
The Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)
Ontario-Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (OCECRA)
Creative Co-Location Facilities Property Tax Subclass Designation 
Cultural Festivals Recovery Program 

 
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.

 

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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