Resources for Artists and Art Groups

Navigating Extraordinary Times

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Arts and Culture sector is navigating extraordinary and uncertain circumstances. In an effort to provide you with the most applicable and useful tools, the City created lists of resources to help guide local artists and organizations in search of online learning and arts-related information.

Subtopics

Working, Gathering & Teaching Online →

Additional Artist Resources →

Working, Gathering & Teaching Online

Canadian Artists and Freelancers - Help during COVID-19

A list regularly updated, provided by CBC Arts.

Visit CBC Arts

Canadian Museums Association - Reopening Resources

Museums can find a collection of resources from both Canadian and non-Canadian sources, pertaining to museums’ reopening during COVID-19.

Visit the Canadian Museums Association

I Lost My Gig Facebook Group

A Facebook group dedicated to the arts and other vulnerable freelance and gig workers in Canada and beyond to share stories and resources addressing the impacts of COVID-19 and growing income precarity more broadly. A full website launched on March 20, 2020.

Visit the Facebook group

Piano and Instrumental Teachers with COVID-19 Concerns Facebook Group

A Facebook group dedicated to piano and instrumental teachers concerned about the impact of the COVID-19 on their teaching and to support each other adapting to the best ways to continue to provide music education to their students safely.

Visit the Facebook group

Professional Association of Canadian Theatres

Professional Association of Canadian Theatres provides information on resources, impact surveys, community funding and more related to COVID-19.

Visit the Association

Sourceful

An international list of community Google documents offering information on remote work, online meetings and parenting.

View the resources

Additional Artist Resources

Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA)

The AFA Board of Directors has approved its 2020-21 spending plan based on the AFA’s current provincial allocation of $26.9 million. The AFA is using existing programs to be as responsive to the COVID-19 pandemic as possible. AFA is prioritizing support for arts organizations through its operational grant programs. Program impacts can be found under frequently asked questions.

Associated Designers of Canada

A national, professional non-profit arts service organization dedicated to representing the interests of set, costume, lighting, projection and sound designers.

Visit Associated Designers of Canada

Business for the Arts

For the latest videos and resources from their commitment to provide up to date resources and keep the art sector informed.

Visit Business for the Arts

Canada Council for the Arts

The Canada Council for the Arts has noted that due to COVID-19, some deadlines and cut-off dates may have changed. Please be aware that guidelines and forms will not reflect revised deadlines. For components that were temporarily suspended, activities and costs incurred before an application submission date may be exceptionally eligible. Please contact the relevant program for details. For the most up-to-date source of information for revised deadlines and notification of results dates, visit canadacouncil.ca.

Information and Supports List - This list includes a comprehensive list of programs and service updates, visit COVID-19: Information and support for the arts sector.

Canadian Crafts Federation

Craft-based COVID-19 resources.

View Canadian Crafts Resources

Canadian Independent Music Association

Information on national funding, advocacy and events.

Visit CIMA

Canadian Network for Arts and Learning

Resources for artists, arts instructors and freelance artists available at the Canadian Network for Arts and Learning.

CARFAC - Response to COVID-19

This link includes a list of community support resources for artists.

Visit CARFAC

CBC Arts Uncontained and Digital Originals

This week CBC launched Art Uncontained, a new initiative connecting Canadian artists and art lovers. It includes original programming from CBC Arts and across the CBC network, as well as a new artist fund in partnership with the Canada Council for the Arts. New original content includes:

CBC Podcasts’ PlayME: The Show Must Go On
COVID Residencies, video diaries from artists sharing how isolation has affected their art
Original theatre from the National Theatre School of Canada’s Art Apart program
Scenes From An Exhibition, offering exclusive virtual tours of Canada’s finest galleries and museums
CBC Books’ Transmission, featuring Canadian writers reflecting on these uncertain times
CBC Music’s Quarantunes, highlighting Canadian music created in isolation
A COVID-19 resource list for artists and freelancers

COVID-19 Health and Safety for Artists

Resources that may help you as you navigate art-making during this time.

Visit Artist Producer Resource

Creative Cities

Online listing of resources available for cultural workers and artists.

Visit Creative Cities

Digital Arts Nation

Hosting a series of webinars to support digitizing the performing arts and re-thinking presenting and touring in the age of COVID.

Visit Digital Arts Nation

Freelance Artists – COVID-19 Resource

This list serves freelance artists, and those interested in supporting the independent artist community, including actors, designers, producers, technicians, stage managers, musicians, composers, choreographers, visual artists, filmmakers, craft artists, teaching artists, dancers, writers and playwrights, and photographers.

Visit Freelance Artists

Marginalized Artists & Communities - COVID-19 Emergency Resources

The page includes mutual aid funds, petitions and more compiled by The Margin of Eras Gallery & CUE.

View the document

Michif Cultural Connections

Offering free online meetings where people can learn to speak Michif, the traditional language of the Métis.

Visit Michif Cultural Connections

Multiculturalism, Indigenous and Inclusion Grant (MIIG) Program

This program supports initiatives and projects that build intercultural awareness and understanding. The program fosters cultural awareness in communities across the province, and an appreciation and celebration of Indigenous Peoples and multicultural society in Alberta. The program strives to create a province where people feel included and that their cultures and heritage are valued.

Website: Multiculturalism, Indigenous and Inclusion Grant