A great many artists are facing loss of work/income and financial worries, legal issues, funding questions, as well as health concerns – mental health and anxiety as well as potential health effects of the coronavirus directly. CARFAC BC is compiling a list of resources for artists and cultural workers. We’ll continue to update this page with the latest information as it emerges.
Government Response & Relief
For the latest information on COVID-19 in Canada, please visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s website and consult your local health authority.
British Columbia Pandemic Provincial Coordination Plan – Province of British Columbia
Government of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan with support for individuals and businesses.
Government of BC’s Restart Plan for re-opening
WorkSafeBC released Arts and culture: Protocols for returning to operation, which includes developing a COVID-19 safety plan, protocols for re-opening museums and art galleries, and more.
Risk mitigation tool for gatherings and events operating during the COVID-19 pandemic
Funders
Canada Council for the Arts has a listing of information and support for the arts sector, which includes details on Canada Council emergency support, changes to grants, and other news.
The BC Arts Council has listed COVID-19 FAQs for Arts and Culture Grant Recipients & Applicants
Additional Resources for Artists
CARFAC joined 30+ arts organizations and 250+ independent artists and cultural workers, through one united voice, to call upon the Government of Canada to ensure the financial well-being of all residents by implementing a permanent Basic Income Guarantee. Let your MP and the Federal Government know that Canadians need ongoing support to emerge strong and resilient from the COVID-19 crisis. This includes the implementation of a Basic Income Guarantee.
CARFAC, RAAV, and Copyright Visual Arts developed Recommended practices for paying artists during the COVID-19 crisis. You can find the recommendations along with the CARFAC-RAAV Minimum Recommended Fee Schedule with rates for 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023, which include annual increases, here.
CARFAC National has a page of COVID-19 resources for artists.
Questions around termination of contracts, insurance, and other legal uncertainties pertaining to your work as an artist? Low income artists across BC can connect by phone with an experienced lawyer through Artists’ Legal Outreach‘s summary legal clinics for the price of a donation. They also have an online tool to determine what your legal needs are.
I Lost My Gig Canada is a space for creative industries and other vulnerable freelance and gig economy workers to connect and share stories in response to growing income precarity in Canada.
COVID-19 Freelance Artist Resources (US-based)
Surveys & Data Collection
Impacts of COVID-19 on Canadian Artists and Independent Cultural Workers by Hill Strategies, based on I Lost My Gig Canada Survey Data
A survey by the Canadian Arts Coalition (CAC) points to a slow recovery by artists and arts organizations. (July 13)
Input on measures to off-set impacts on arts sector of COVID-19 based on a national survey issued by Canada Council for the Arts.
Mental Health Resources
Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has information on Managing Stress and Anxiety.
Canadian Mental Health Association provides information COVID-19 and Anxiety.
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health shares a Mental Health and the COVID-19 Pandemic FAQ.
Online toolkit to aid with coronavirus anxiety from Shine and Mental Health America.
Crisis Services Canada offers suicide prevention and support.
Improve your mental wellness with Wellness Together Canada’s journey toolkit.