COVID-19 (Coronavirus): help for the arts and culture sector

Impact surveys
Share how COVID-19 has impacted your organization, business, and arts practice in the following surveys. Support organizations are capturing impacts of lost revenue and expenses for Vancouver-based artists, organizations, and businesses. This information will inform our approach to program delivery and alignment with current and potential funding partners.
- GVPTA - COVID-19 Impact Survey
  For all arts disciplines, artists, arts workers, cultural organizations, and museums across BC. The Greater Vancouver Professional Theatre Alliance (GVPTA) is collecting data to better understand the impact COVID-19 has had on arts and culture organizations across the province. Data to be shared with funders and arts service organizations for regional, provincial, and national reporting.
- Creative BC - COVID Impacts Assessment Survey
  Data collection to better understand the impact of COVID-19 on creative industry business activity, events and projects across the province. Key sectors include: book and magazine publishing, interactive and digital media, film and television, and music.
- BC Chamber of Commerce and Vancouver Economic Commission - COVID-19 Economic Impact Survey
  The BC Chamber of Commerce and Vancouver Economic Commission are working to assess the impact of COVID-19 on Vancouver’s economy and local businesses; and to support all levels of government on initiatives to identify and implement what Vancouver needs to weather and swiftly recover from market shocks related to COVID-19.
- I Lost My Gig / CARFAC - COVID-19 Impact Survey for Arts, Culture, and Tourism Workers
  National survey of economic impacts on arts, culture, tourism, heritage, and creative industries workers in Canada
- Indigenous Arts and Culture Impacts Survey
  Alberta-based 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.
Financial assistance
April 3, 2020: In collaboration with community and funding partners, we're working on a proposal for COVID-19 relief funding from the existing Cultural Grants funding envelope to be presented to City Council for consideration and decision.
- Canada Council Announces $60 Million in Advance Funding to Help Stabilize Arts
  Will issue advances enabling core funded organizations to: meet their immediate commitments, help ensure cash flow, and address outstanding payments to the artists and cultural workers they employ.
- Province of BC Announces $3 Million Arts and Culture Resilience Supplement
  Fund to be administered by BC Arts Council. Operating and eligible project clients will receive a supplement of up to $15,000 in early April. BC Arts Council will provide operating clients a 50% advance on 2020-21 funding to help with cash flow.
- Unison Benevolent Fund
  Fund provides $1000 in emergency support to musicians and music industry employees for groceries, housing costs, and medical expenses.
- Vancouver Foundation - Community Response Fund
  Fund will provide flexible operating grants to charities most immediately impacted by COVID-19.
- Canada Emergency Response Benefit
  The Government of Canada has introduced the CERB — a taxable benefit that provides $2,000 per month for up to 4 months for workers who lose their income as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Other resources
- Vancouver Economic Commission - COVID-19 Resources
  Information on VEC’s work to support all levels of government on initiatives to identify and implement Vancouver needs in response to COVID-19.
- Government of BC’s COVID-19 Action Plan
  Provincial resources, support, and information.
- Government of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
  Information on the Federal Government’s $27 Billion response plan to provide support to individuals and businesses affected by COVID-19.
- BC Arts Council - COVID-19 FAQ
  Information for arts and culture grant recipients and applicants to: support sustainability of arts and culture organizations; provide access to funding as quickly as possible; ensure that funded projects are not penalized; and support the continuation of projects and activities.
- Alliance for Arts and Culture - COVID Resource Page
  Aggregated resources for artist and organization funding, government response and relief, mental health, data collection, employment, and more.
- Nonprofit Lifecycles Institute - Emergency Consulting Initiative
  The Lifecycle Capacity Consultants members of the Institute have donated their skills in nonprofit consulting to help organizations during this difficult time. If you are interested in having a one-on-one conversation with a Lifecycle Capacity Consultant to discuss next steps during this period of time, you can make a request for assistance. This is open to organizations in North America.
- CBC Arts: Here's where Canadian artists and freelancers can find help during COVID-19 shutdowns
  Regularly updated list of resources, funding, and other supports for artists and freelance workers in the cultural sector.

COVID-19 (Coronavirus): help for the arts and culture sector

Impact surveys

Financial assistance

Other resources

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