Following the release of the Economic Statement details by the Minister of Finance, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, we note much good news for the performing arts sector, for both organizations and artists.<\/p>\n
Funding for the Performing Arts Sector<\/strong><\/p>\n The pandemic has particularly affected the cultural and leisure industries, which employ hundreds of thousands of Canadians. They were among the first to close their doors and will likely be among the last to resume normal operations. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the near-complete suspension of live events and performances, affecting thousands of artists and freelance and gig workers in the events sector across the country. <\/p>\n To support the planning and presentation of COVID-19-safe events and performances \u2013 both live and digital \u2013 and to provide work opportunities in these sectors, the federal government will provide $181.5 million in 2021-2022 to the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Canada Council for the Arts<\/strong> to expand their funding programs.<\/p>\n This measure includes a one-year renewal of funding allocated in Budget 2019 for the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program, the Canada Arts Presentation Fund, and the Canada Music Fund.<\/p>\n