“It is now the turn of the culture and communications sector to receive a financial aid plan and a reopening program from Quebec for performing arts shows and film shoots.”
The announcement of support measures tailored to the sectors concerned will be made this Monday during the Premier’s 1 PM press conference. François Legault will be accompanied on the occasion by Nathalie Roy, head of the Ministry of Culture and Communications (MCCQ).
Minister Roy will present the main outlines of her emergency plan, along with the total proposed amounts. (…)
“We were summoned by CNESST representatives on June 4,” states Christine Bouchard, Executive Director of En Piste, to Le Devoir. “In the industry, artists are eager to return to studios, to rehearse, to create. The situation makes them want to do so.”
“When practicing a physical art, it is fundamental to be in a studio,” she notes. “Artists have not been there for three months.” The damage will be significant, she specifies. “Getting back in shape will take time. (…)
However, the guidelines announced this week should not allow in the short term the resumption of show rehearsals or film shoots that cannot comply with physical distancing measures. (…)
The professional circus arts network, which brings together over 400 members in Canada, was part of the performing arts and distribution consultation committee. Early last week, a plan was submitted to the Ministry of Culture and Communications. Previously, a working committee had been formed to maximize the chances of success. “Cirque du Soleil was with us, Les 7 Doigts, Cirque Éloize, TOHU, the National Circus School, the Quebec Circus School… We almost wrote a protocol, a health management guide, thinking that it could help facilitate a return,” explains Christine Bouchard.
The Ministry launched these initiatives to develop guides aimed at framing the resumption of activities while ensuring the safety of employees and the public. At least one representative from Public Health and CNESST experts participated in the preparatory meetings.”