Last updated: June 23, 3:10 p.m. PDT.
Using this Page
Below, we’ve compiled a list of resources related to COVID-19 (novel coronavirus). We’ve sorted these resources into the following categories:
While we’ve tried to duplicate resources across categories where applicable, we highly recommend that you check any categories which may apply to your specific situation. We’ll update this list with new resources as we discover them. If you know of a resource you think might be helpful, please email covid19@allianceforarts.com.
Government Response & Relief
Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan - Government of Canada (includes support measures for individuals and businesses affected by COVID-19)
Emergency Support Fund for Cultural, Heritage and Sport Organizations - Details on the Government of Canada’s Emergency Support Fund, released May 8. Outlines disbursement of funds in 2 phases.
BC's Restart Plan - Government of BC’s step by step plan for re-opening.
COVID-19 Provincial Support and Information - Government of British Columbia (resources around illness, child care, education, employment and finances, businesses, housing and monthly bills, travel and tourism, reduced services, transportation, preparedness and healthcare).
Emergency Support for Individuals - Government of Canada (includes credits, income tax and mortgage deferments).
Support for Businesses - Government of Canada; includes extension of Work-Sharing program and 75 per cent wage subsidy for qualifying businesses. For registered charities and non-profit organizations, the calculation will include most forms of revenue, excluding revenues from non-arm’s length persons. These organizations would be allowed to choose whether or not to include revenue from government sources as part of the calculation.
Canada Emergency Response Benefit - Government of Canada; If you have stopped working because of COVID-19, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) may provide you with temporary income support. The CERB provides $500 a week for up to 16 weeks. April 15 update: If you earn up to $1000 per month, such as from performance, teaching or other contract gigs, you can still apply for CERB.
Minister Beare Releases Letter to Arts and Culture Community
British Columbia Pandemic Provincial Coordination Plan - Province of British Columbia
Risk-informed decision-making for mass gatherings during COVID-19 global outbreak - Government of Canada
City of Vancouver and Cultural Services’ Response to COVID-19 - City of Vancouver (includes updates on funding programs, and request for information about impacts)
COVID-19: Supports for Small Businesses in B.C. - Province of British Columbia
Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) - Provides interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits to help cover operating costs (eligibility was expanded on May 19 to include sole proprietors receiving income directly from their businesses, businesses that rely on contractors, and family-owned corporations that pay employees through dividends rather than payroll.)
General Information from Granting Agencies
Important Information related to COVID-19 - Canada Council for the Arts
FAQ – Impact of COVID-19 on Funded Projects - Canada Council for the Arts
$60M in advance funding to help stabilize backbone of arts sector as it faces COVID-19 crisis - Canada Council for the Arts
Containment of COVID-19: Update on Required Measures - BC Arts Council
COVID-19 FAQs for Arts and Culture Grant Recipients & Applicants - BC Arts Council
Letter from the BC Arts Council Chair, Susan Jackson - BC Arts Council
Important Changes to Project Assistance programs for the Performing Arts - BC Arts Council
Arts and Culture Resilience Supplement - BC Arts Council. Organizations who have received at least one BC Arts Council project assistance grant in the past three years within eligible programs (see below for a complete list) can apply for a one-time grant of up to $5000.
Information for Canadian Heritage grants and contributions recipients related to COVID-19 - Canadian Heritage
COVID-19 Update for Community Gaming Grants - BC Gaming, March 24.
COVID-19 Update for the Creative Industries of BC - Creative BC
Our Response to COVID-19 - Vancouver Foundation
COVID-19 Impact on ACF Grants - Access Copyright Foundation
Funding Sources
Community Response Fund - Vancouver Foundation
The Photographer Fund - $25,000 fund to help self-employed photographers facing hardship
Woodcock Fund Grant - provides emergency funds for writers mid-project
The AFC - provides emergency financial aid for entertainment professionals
Unison - provides financial aid for musicians
Canadian Artist + Musician Relief Fund
Facebook-National Arts Centre Fund for Performing Artists - a $200,000 relief fund to pay Canadian artists for their live online performances. To apply to this short-term relief measure, performing artists or ensemble (less than 10 people) simply need to write to the National Arts Centre at CanadaPerforms@nac-cna.ca, provide their name, a description of their 45-60 minutes performance, when they wish to share and on what platform.
Emergency Survival Fund for LGBTQ2S artists, performers, tip-based workers - Glad Day
Here's where Canadian artists and freelancers can find help during COVID-19 shutdowns - CBC Arts
$150,000 Emergency Relief Fund for Canadian Literary Artists - Writers’ Union of Canada
Digital Originals - The Canada Council for the Arts and CBC/Radio-Canada are teaming up once again, this time to launch Digital Originals, a new fast forward initiative to help artists, arts groups and organizations pivot their work for online sharing. $5,000 micro-grants.
Responsive Neighbourhood Small Grants - grants for individuals of up to $500 for projects that connect people socially or involve sharing skills or talents.
Arts and Culture Resilience Supplement - BC Arts Council. Organizations who have received at least one BC Arts Council project assistance grant in the past three years within eligible programs (see below for a complete list) can apply for a one-time grant of up to $5000.
Emergency Support Fund for Cultural, Heritage and Sport Organizations - Details on the Government of Canada’s Emergency Support Fund, released May 8. Outlines disbursement of funds in 2 phases.
Mount Pleasant Community Arts Grant - grants of $500 to artists struggling amid the pandemic. Applications due May 29
BC Arts Council Microgrant Program - Awards of up to $1,500 for individual artists and cultural practitioners. Application deadline June 30.
General Arts and Non-Profit Resources
List of BC Arts Service Organizations
Minister Beare Releases Letter to Arts and Culture Community
CovidCulture - Free articles from ArtsProfessional on COVID-19
Member Advisory re: COVID-19 - Canadian Actors’ Equity Association
Cultural sector resources for businesses and individuals - Cultural Human Resources Council
Preparing for the Potential Impact of Coronavirus - Arts Ready Alert
CARFAC response to COVID-19 - CARFAC
COVID-19 Update for the Creative Industries of BC - Creative BC
Nonprofits on the front line of COVID-19 - Ontario Nonprofit Network
A few things for nonprofits and foundations to consider in light of the Coronavirus - Nonprofit AF
Compendium of tips and information for governance, management and NFP operations - Heritage BC
COVID-19 Resources for Non-Profit Employers - Young Associates
Artists’ Legal Outreach - available by phone for artists and via email (law.students@lawfornonprofits.ca) for organizations
Information for Workers Related to COVID-19 - Together Against Poverty Society
Managing through and building resilience during the outbreak - Imagine Canada
Here's where Canadian artists and freelancers can find help during COVID-19 shutdowns - CBC Arts
COVID19 Response - a collaborative task force bringing together arts, culture, and heritage leaders and organizations in Canada to develop and implement shared strategies that respond to and evaluate the impacts of COVID-19 across regional and disciplinary silos.
Resources for the Arts and Learning sector during the COVID-19 pandemic - Canadian Network for Arts & Learning
COVID-19 Updates & Resources - Music BC
COVID-19 Resources for the Arts and Entertainment Industries - Actsafe Safety Association
COVID-19 Resources for Museums and Cultural Organizations - BC Museums Association
CultureOnline - Directory and calendar of online BC arts and culture content, from Arts BC and BC Museums Association.
Event Safety Alliance Reopening Guide - A collective work by event industry professionals on guidelines for reopening.
WorkSafe BC Protocols for Returning to Operation - Guidance for arts and culture facilities (specifically museums, art galleries, and libraries) to reopen.
Leadership Emergency Arts Network - LEAN offers pro bono expert advisors to help arts organizations with the challenges they’re facing.
Resources for Performing Artists
Coronavirus Preparedness for the Live Performance Sector - CAPACOA
COVID-19: Measuring Impacts on the Music Industry - CIMA; musicians and members of the Canadian music industry should complete this survey in order to give a fuller picture of how this pandemic is affecting our sector.
PACT Weekly COVID-19 Town Hall - PACT is convening a weekly Town Hall meeting every Thursday to discuss the effects of the pandemic on Canadian theatre, using the Zoom videoconference platform. These Town Halls are free and open to all managers, producers, and administrators in the Canadian performing arts – whether or not your company is a PACT Member.
ilostmygig.ca - Starting March 20, artists can share their stories of cancellations and postponements due to COVID-19.
COVID-19 Resource Page - Professional Association of Canadian Theatres
COVID-19 Updates - Music Managers Forum
Resources for Canadian artists, writers and media workers during COVID-19 shutdowns
Facebook-National Arts Centre Fund for Performing Artists - a $200,000 relief fund to pay Canadian artists for their live online performances. To apply to this short-term relief measure, performing artists or ensemble (less than 10 people) simply need to write to the National Arts Centre at CanadaPerforms@nac-cna.ca, provide their name, a description of their 45-60 minutes performance, when they wish to share and on what platform.
Art Apart - National Theatre School, $60,000 in support of emerging artists
Save Live Arts - an initiative started by Canadian Actors' Equity Association (CAEA), Canadian Federation of Musicians (CFM / AFM) and its 25 Locals coast to coast, including Toronto Musicians' Association (TMA) and the Guilde des musiciens et musiciennes du Québec (GMMQ) in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. “We understand that without government intervention Covid-19 will continue to have a detrimental effect on the social and economic well being of the people and companies in the live arts. We welcome signatures and partnership from any Canadian company or individual working in the live arts. For more information or to make suggestions for the initiative you can email savelivearts@tma149.ca”
Indigenous Performing Arts Alliance - offering free membership to Indigenous artists
Music Canada and CONNECT Music Licensing Artist Impact Survey - CONNECT Music Licensing and Music Canada are sharing an Artist Impact Survey designed to help the government and the music industry better understand the impact COVID-19 is having on artists within the community.
COVID-19 Resources and Updates for Dance Artists - The Dance Centre
COVID-19 Updates & Resources - Music BC
Downtown Sounds - virtual busking program for local artists run by the DVBIA, allowing buskers to continue to connect to their audience and access paid opportunities.
Event Safety Alliance Reopening Guide - A collective work by event industry professionals on guidelines for reopening.
Encore! - SOCAN program that will pay musicians to stream concerts on Facebook/Instagram.
Resources for Individual Artists
FAQ: Artist Mobility to the U.S. during the COVID-19 pandemic - Covey Law
A Daily Report on How COVID-19 Is Impacting the Art World - Hyperallergic
Resources for Canadian artists, writers and media workers during COVID-19 shutdowns
Emergency Survival Fund for LGBTQ2S artists, performers, tip-based workers - Glad Day
Here's where Canadian artists and freelancers can find help during COVID-19 shutdowns - CBC Arts
Artists’ Legal Outreach - available by phone for artists and via email (law.students@lawfornonprofits.ca) for organizations
25+ Sites for Finding Remote Work - Skillcrush
Facebook-National Arts Centre Fund for Performing Artists - a $200,000 relief fund to pay Canadian artists for their live online performances. To apply to this short-term relief measure, performing artists or ensemble (less than 10 people) simply need to write to the National Arts Centre at CanadaPerforms@nac-cna.ca, provide their name, a description of their 45-60 minutes performance, when they wish to share and on what platform.
Art Apart - National Theatre School, $60,000 in support of emerging artists
Woodcock Fund Grant - provides emergency funds for writers mid-project
The AFC - provides emergency financial aid for entertainment professionals
Unison - provides financial aid for musicians
Canadian Artist + Musician Relief Fund
Indigenous Performing Arts Alliance - offering free membership to Indigenous artists
Navigating COVID-19: Resources for Creatives and Creative Entrepreneurs - list of resources from Artscape
Responsive Neighbourhood Small Grants - grants for individuals of up to $500 for projects that connect people socially or involve sharing skills or talents.
Mount Pleasant Community Arts Grant - grants of $500 to artists struggling amid the pandemic. Applications due May 29
BC Arts Council Microgrant Program - Awards of up to $1,500 for individual artists and cultural practitioners. Application deadline June 30.
Resources for the Heritage Sector
COVID-19 and the Heritage Sector - Heritage BC
WorkSafe BC Protocols for Returning to Operation - Guidance for arts and culture facilities (specifically museums, art galleries, and libraries) to reopen.
Legal and Employment Resources
Coronavirus: Your Legal Questions Answered - People’s Law School
Artists’ Legal Outreach - available by phone for artists and via email (law.students@lawfornonprofits.ca) for organizations
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) – Benefits and services - Labour Canada
COVID-19: Commercial Leasing Considerations - WeirFoulds LLP
COVID-19 Preparedness for Employers - Miller Nash Graham & Dunn
Getting your workplace ready for COVID-19 - World Health Organization
Information for Workers Related to COVID-19 - Together Against Poverty Society
How EI benefits for COVID-19 quarantines will work under the new rules - National Post, March 13
Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre - for residential tenancy questions around COVID-19
Member Meetings of B.C. Societies During COVID-19 - guidelines on holding an electronic AGM
Leadership Emergency Arts Network - LEAN offers pro bono expert advisors to help arts organizations with the challenges they’re facing.
Digital Tools for the Arts Sector
Spektrix Ticket Convertor - Convert refunds to donations with this free tool, designed to make it easier for audiences to donate, or accept refunds as credit.
weshowup - Equitable, diverse and inclusive access for virtual, live-streamed and in-person events.
Access GVPTA's Zoom Pro account - For theatre companies, collectives, and artists looking for a way to meet virtually (3-100 participants).
Explore distance learning resources for schools affected by COVID-19 - Google
How To: Super Quick DIY Podcasting for Museums & Other Nonprofits Closed by COVID-19 - Hannah Hethmon, Better Lemon Creative Audio
Webinar Series: Digital Actions in the Age of COVID19 - Making Tomorrow Better: Taking Digital Action in the Performing Arts
Grant Connect access via Imagine Canada - Eligible organizations can now register for Grant Connect's Community Edition, and will have work-from-home (WFH) access until April 8.
Eventbrite and Gift Up! Event Gift Cards - Eventbrite will cover the gift card fees for up to $50M of new gift cards (up to $50K per creator).
Adobe Creative Cloud - Offering 2 free months to existing subscribers.
CultureOnline - Directory and calendar of online BC arts and culture content, from Arts BC and BC Museums Association.
Data Collection on Impacts of COVID-19
GVPTA COVID-19 Impact Survey and Resources - Greater Vancouver Professional Theatre Alliance
BC arts and culture organizations and individual artists should complete this survey in order to give a fuller picture of how this pandemic is affecting our sector.
Survey on Federal Emergency Aid Measures and the Arts Sector in Canada - The Canada Council for the Arts is collecting information from its clients to better understand how the Government of Canada’s recently announced support mechanisms for Canadian workers and businesses address the challenges and needs of the professional arts sector during COVID-19.
Music Canada and CONNECT Music Licensing Artist Impact Survey - CONNECT Music Licensing and Music Canada are sharing an Artist Impact Survey designed to help the government and the music industry better understand the impact COVID-19 is having on artists within the community.
ilostmygig.ca - Starting March 20, artists can share their stories of cancellations and postponements due to COVID-19.
Economic Impact of COVID-19 - The Writers’ Union of Canada is collecting information to quantify the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on writers in Canada. Please use the form to document confirmed and projected losses of income from your writing and related activities.
COVID-19 Crisis: Arts Service Organizations Survey - To sustain its key frontline role to coordinate the sector in its advocacy in this crisis, the Ontario Association of Art Galleries (OAAG) is initiating this data collection survey. This will enable the ASO community to equip itself with relevant data to capture impact, to represent the situation to respective government agencies, and to find solutions and mitigate impact, closures, etc.
Indigenous Arts & Culture Impacts Survey - Indigenous consultancy Naheyawin is compiling national data to help policymakers make informed decisions about how to support Indigenous artists and cultural practitioners in the wake of COVID-19.
COVID-19 Business Survey - Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association
COVID-19 Impact Survey for Canadian Choirs - Choral Canada (French survey available here)
COVID-19 Visual Artist Impact Survey - The Eastside Culture Crawl Society (ECCS) is collecting data in order to better understand the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on visual artists across the City of Vancouver/Province of BC and to ensure visual artists do not fall through the cracks.
BC Nonprofit Impact Survey - Vantage Point seeks concrete, practical data on the state of BC’s non-profit sector during the COVID-19 pandemic. If your organization wants to participate, please have a senior leader submit answers as a representative for the team by April 20.
Published Data on Impacts of COVID-19
How COVID-19 is Impacting Intentions to Visit Cultural Entities and What Will Make People Feel Safe Visiting Again? (DATA) - Colleen Dilenschneider
Tourism Vancouver COVID-19 Advisory - Tourism Vancouver
Input on measures to off-set impacts on arts sector of COVID-19 - Canada Council for the Arts
Audience Outlook Monitor - WolfBrown
No Immunity: BC Nonprofits and the Impacts of COVID-19 - Vantage Point
What will make audiences feel safe to return to live performances? - CAPACOA
Agents and Managers Industry Survey of the Effects of Covid-19 in Canada - COVID-19 Crisis Committee, NAPAMA Canada, CAPACOA
Impacts of COVID-19 on Canadian Artists and Independent Cultural Workers - Hill Strategies, based on I Lost My Gig Canada Survey Data
Mental Health
Wellness Together Canada: Mental Health and Substance Use Support - Government of Canada, includes a self-assessment tool and resources
A Guide to Caring For Your Coronavirus Anxiety
A Compendium of Tips and Information for Self-Care and Workplace Mental Health - Heritage BC
How to Stay Connected During Self-Isolation - Drawing Change
Unison - A toll-free number to connect Canadian music professionals with resources and support for personal and practical issues in English and French
Calltime; Mental Health - an initiative created by British Columbia's motion picture industry unions to provide mental health resources for motion picture industry workers
Tips for Employers responding to staff anxiety - Canadian Mental Health Association
Coping with Anxiety - Here to Help
Mental Health Resource Guide - Peak Resilience
25 Mental Health Tips for Quarantine - from Tara Branch
BounceBack - provides free access to online, video and phone-based coaching and skills-building program to seniors, adults and youth experiencing low mood, mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress, or worry.
Living Life to the Full - offers free access to peer support and practical skill courses for coping with stress, problem solving and boosting mood. The 8-week course is led by a trained facilitator.
Mental Health Resource List - Social Work License Map
Advocacy
Save Live Arts - an initiative started by Canadian Actors' Equity Association (CAEA), Canadian Federation of Musicians (CFM / AFM) and its 25 Locals coast to coast, including Toronto Musicians' Association (TMA) and the Guilde des musiciens et musiciennes du Québec (GMMQ) in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. “We understand that without government intervention Covid-19 will continue to have a detrimental effect on the social and economic well being of the people and companies in the live arts. We welcome signatures and partnership from any Canadian company or individual working in the live arts. For more information or to make suggestions for the initiative you can email savelivearts@tma149.ca”
Managing through and building resilience during the outbreak - Imagine Canada (includes letters to government officials requesting funding)
Supporting Artists During the COVID-19 Pandemic - tips for all from Coastal Jazz
General Resources
COVID-19 Provincial Support and Information - Government of British Columbia
Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) - BC Centre for Disease Control
Pandemic Preparedness - Province of British Columbia
Outbreak Updates - Government of Canada
COVID-19 (coronavirus) within Vancouver - City of Vancouver
Information on coronavirus disease (COVID-19) - Vancouver Coastal Health
Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Outbreak - World Health Organization
Master List Of All Major International Airline Coronavirus Change And Cancellation Policies - Forbes
Canada’s Six Biggest Banks Take Decisive Action to Help Customers Impacted by COVID-19 - Canadian Bankers Association
VancouverSupport.ca - This prototype site connects people offering help and support to people who need it.
Support for People with Disabilities - Heritage BC
