COVID-19
COVID - 19
Due to COVID-19 the office of the London Arts Council is closed to the public until further notice. However, the LAC team is available through telephone and email correspondence. As such the LAC will make every effort to respond to all questions and concerns in a timely manner.
The team has developed a list of resources for London artists to access. Stay informed! Keep checking this page as more resources will be added in the days and weeks ahead.
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As an advocate for those who constitute the arts community of London Ontario, the London Arts Council is working with provincial and national organizations to create a comprehensive network of support and advocacy. We are:
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communicating with the Ontario Arts Council and Canada Council for the Arts to ensure we are providing consistent and timely information to artists and arts organizations
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working closely with the City of London to plan for immediate and future needs
This is, unquestionably, an unprecedented time. Yet, the London Arts Council aims to work with our arts community to provide support and solutions to the challenges we now face. Lest we forget, artists are creative problem solvers, and it is this attribute and action that we can bring to the time at hand.
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For up to date information please check this page and stay current with our social media channels.
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For any inquiries please email info@londonarts.ca
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Resources
The following links will provide information and resources to artists and arts organizations related to the COVID-19 crisis.
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GOVERNMENT OF CANADA
Economic Response Plan including provisions for support to workers and businesses. Artists and arts workers may be eligible for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit that is delivered through the Canada Revenue Agency to provide support to workers who are not eligible for EI and who are facing unemployment. And Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy for employers.
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CANADA COUNCIL FOR THE ARTS
If you have a COVID-19 related question for the Canada Council, please email: covid19@canadacouncil.ca.
While we aim to reply to all questions within two business days, our ability to do so may be affected by the volume of queries received and by staff availability to respond.
Before contacting us with a question, please refer to the information below which includes the FAQs we’ve already compiled. Updates to this content will be posted when/as they become available.
ONTARIO ARTS COUNCIL
The global COVID-19 pandemic is compelling organizations like OAC to focus on the essentials of what they do and to engage those strengths to make a difference. OAC supports the diversity and vitality of the arts in every corner of the province, ensuring the value of the arts to Ontario’s cultural life. Covid 19 Response
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ARTISTS IN CANADA - funding for Artists in Canada
Artists in Canada has a number of agencies listed that offer grants and funding on an on going basis for artists seeking financial aide and arts communities looking to help fund their art projects and events.
Check the regional and provincial opportunities as well as the Canada Arts Grants that you may be eligible for. https://www.artistsincanada.com/resources/funding-36/
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CANADIAN DANCE ASSEMBLY
The Canadian Dance Assembly will continue to monitor the COVID-19 outbreak and share resources and information on this page.
We encourage everyone to continue checking in with their local public health agency for location specific guidance. If you’ve been affected by cancelled performances, please be in touch with the CDA office as we are keeping track of the economic impact on the sector - email kate[@]dancecanada.net.
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CITY OF LONDON - MUSIC OFFICER
Covid-19 & Ontario Music Industry Update
As the music community comes together during the novel COVID-19 pandemic, we hope to keep you informed of developments as they roll out.
MUSIC CANADA LIVE
COVID-19 Relief Measures – Recommendations from Canada’s Live Music Industry
MUSIC ONTARIO
As the music community comes together during the novel COVID-19 pandemic, we hope to keep you informed of developments as they roll out.
Ontario has declared a state of emergency, and we understand the severe implications for our members and stakeholders, with small businesses and venues closing, tours cancelling, and the gig economy in which so many of us thrive in limbo.
Artists, performers, and musicians are without income, and the entrepreneurs and companies that work to promote, support, and elevate Canadian music are all seeing their livelihoods in jeopardy.
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ONTARIO ARTS GALLERIES ASSOCIATION (OAAG)
OAAG is monitoring the situation surrounding COVID-19. We are encouraging OAAG members to properly strategize how to deal with COVID-19 and their galleries.
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ONTARIO TRILLIUM FOUNDATION
With the continued news and growing concerns around novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) wants to provide you with an update on our commitment to you during this important time.
The health, safety and well-being of our communities is a priority and we are following the lead of Ontario public health authorities with respect to our customer service supports.
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ORCHESTRAS CANADA
We are planning to push out regular updates on the impact of COVID-19 for orchestras. To unsubscribe from these updates (we understand your inboxes are likely at least as overwhelmed as ours…) please update your preferences, unchecking COVID-19. Or simply reply “unsubscribe COVID-19” to this email. The situation is changing rapidly - be sure to monitor updates from the Public Health Agency of Canada and from your provincial health authority.
https://us18.campaign-archive.com/?e=&u=50f6cc7b717918dc43438489c&id=cc2e54a979
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CANADIAN THEATRES (PACT)
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic PACT is taking the recommendation of local health authorities and suspending our May conference. We are currently considering other options and will be updating you via our newsletter and social media.
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SERVICE CANADA
Applying for Employment Insurance benefits can be done online (there is no need to visit a Service Canada Centre to complete the application).
Also, effective the week of March 15th, clients who are unable to work due to quarantine because of COVID-19 and who qualify for sickness benefits can have their 1 week waiting period waived. There is a dedicated telephone number for clients directly affected by COVID-19 who are sick or in quarantine and requesting EI benefits. Those in quarantine must call this number to have their waiting period waived. Coronavirus Dedicated Employment Insurance Line – 1-833-381-2725 (8:30am-4:30pm).
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WRITERS' UNION OF CANADA
Our first priority is the safety and health of our members, your loved ones, and the vulnerable in your communities.
Document your economic losses from the COVID-19 pandemic
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Other Funding Resources
Woodcock Fund Grant
https://www.writerstrust.com/programs/woodcock-fund-grant/
When a writer faces an unexpected financial crisis their ability to finish a book is at serious risk. Unless help arrives.
The Woodcock Fund is a special kind of grant that provides quick-access emergency assistance to those facing sudden circumstances that restrict their ability to write.
The Woodcock Fund supports professional writers confronting illness or injury (either to themselves or a family member), job loss, dental emergency, spousal separation, or other unforeseen situations that trigger a financial crisis and imperil the completion of their manuscript.
The Woodcock Fund is a lifeline for Canadian writers. It is the only program of its kind available and is often the last place authors can turn for help.
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NABS financial assistance for media, marketing, and communications professionals
We provide confidential and professional assistance to marketing and communications professionals to help them deal with their personal or professional issues.
The AFC — Emergency financial aid for entertainment professionals
The AFC is the lifeline for Canada’s entertainment industry.
Through compassionate and confidential support, we help Canadian entertainment professionals maintain their health, dignity and ability to work.
You are eligible to apply if you have:
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earned more than half your income in the Canadian entertainment industry over the past 3 years
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earned the majority of your income from the Canadian entertainment industry, if you are over 65
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experienced an unforeseeable emergency that has led to a financial crisis
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made reasonable efforts to find other means of income or support
If you are unsure whether you are eligible to apply, please call us to discuss your situation.
DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION FORM HERE
Please note that due to COVID-19 we are experiencing a very significant increase in inquiries and applications. We appreciate your patience and will get back to you as soon as possible.
Unison — financial aid for musicians
https://unisonfund.ca/services/financial-assistance
The application process starts when you contact the Unison office by phone (1-855-986-4766, ext. 3) or by email at assistance@unisonfund.ca. The staff will review with you your situation and will go over the requirements with you. The application process will ask for details about your professional background and your reason for approaching Unison. We also ask for two references. We may contact your references to confirm the details of your work history. They will not be given any information about your application.
The Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) continues to monitor safety measures for our city.
City of London - moving through stages of reopening