THE NATIONAL ARTS CENTRE AND FACEBOOK CANADA PROVIDE $100,000 TO SUPPORT CANADIAN PERFORMERS IMPACTED BY COVID-19
The Facebook-National Arts Centre Fund for Performing Artists will provide $100,000 in artists fees to support online performances between now and March 31, 2020 to help ease financial strain for those impacted by the closure of performance venues across Canada related to COVID-19.
OTTAWA (Canada) – As Canadian performing artists have been deeply impacted by the closing of performance venues across the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Arts Centre and Facebook Canada are announcing a special partnership. Through the support of Facebook Canada, a $100,000 relief fund will pay Canadian artists for their live online performances.
“As Canadians make profound and rapid shifts in how we live our lives, we recognize the challenges that come with distancing and isolation. Music, dance and theatre have an enduring power to comfort, to inspire, to lift our spirits. Equally, performers thrive on their relationship with audiences. In this challenging time, artist and audience, indeed all of us, need each other more than ever. The National Arts Centre, in partnership with Facebook, hopes this initiative helps,” said Christopher Deacon, President and CEO of the National Arts Centre.
The National Arts Centre will receive and administer applications between today and March 31, 2020 from artists who would like to post a 45 to 60 minute online performance. Selected artists will receive a financial grant, and their performances will be shared on the NAC’s Facebook page, which will be discoverable by searching #CanadaPerforms.
“Canadians have long shared their love of the arts across our platforms and it’s moving to see so many performers coming together to bring joy to their communities during this difficult time. As performance venues close and tours are canceled, with the launch of this fund we hope to offer some financial relief for artists whose livelihoods are directly affected by the impact of COVID-19 and to put the value of our platforms to work in celebration of the Canadian arts community.”, said Kevin Chan, Head of Public Policy at Facebook Canada.
JIM CUDDY TO KICK OFF #CANADAPERFORMS
In support and to kick-off the #CanadaPerforms online series, today at 2pm ET, Jim Cuddy, Devin Cuddy, Sam Polley and Colin Cripps will share an online performance from their Facebook page. In the coming days, Canadian artists including Serena Ryder, William Prince, Irish Mythen, Erin Costelo, and Whitehorse will share online performances in support. Other performances by Canadian artists will be announced as they apply, are selected and confirmed to perform.
“Bringing amazing performing artists to Canadians is what we do at the NAC. Having to cancel and postpone so many performances has been heartbreaking, but we hope this collaboration will provide some short-term relief. Canadians are at home, fighting isolation and loneliness,” said Heather Gibson, NAC Executive Producer of Variety & Popular Music.
“We hope #CanadaPerforms will amplify a movement already started with more and more artists turning to online platforms to find audiences, and provide those artists some much needed financial support until they can get up again on stage in front of a live audience.”, concluded Heather Gibson, NAC Executive Producer of Variety & Popular Music.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply to this short-term relief measure, performing artists or ensemble (less than 10 people) simply need to write to the National Arts Centre at CanadaPerforms@nac-cna.ca, provide their name, a description of their 45-60 minutes performance, when they wish to share and on what platform. The National Arts Centre will select fund recipients in consultation with industry leaders. The NAC will announce online performances, as they apply, are selected and confirmed, via its Facebook page for Canadians to watch and enjoy.
OTHER NAC INITIATIVES TO BRING THE ARTS TO CANADIANS
Canadians who stay at home can experience more and more digital content and recommendations coming from the NAC’s Artistic Leadership and the NAC Orchestra musicians. There will be daily content shared on social media through our amazing NAC podcasts, suggested online theatre, dance and music performances not to miss, past NAC Orchestra recordings and videos. Our NAC Orchestra musicians will also offer individual performances and more.
Follow #CanadaPerforms and our social media channels (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter) to find out you what we have in store for everyone who is social distancing and in self-isolation.
ABOUT THE NATIONAL ARTS CENTRE
The National Arts Centre raised its curtains for the first time in 1969. A bilingual, multi-disciplinary home for Canada’s most creative artists, the NAC strives to be artistically adventurous in each of its programming streams — the NAC Orchestra, Dance, English Theatre, French Theatre, Indigenous Theatre and NAC Presents. The Centre’s national role is reflected in its motto: “Canada is our Stage.” The NAC collaborates with artists and arts organizations across the country, acts as a catalyst for performance; invests in ambitious new works by artists and arts organizations nation-wide; and nurtures the next generation of audiences and artists from across Canada. Situated on the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe nation, the NAC is accessible and welcoming to all, and offers a variety of free programming and events.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Annabelle Cloutier
Executive Director, Communications and Public Affairs
National Arts Centre
613-301-2764
Nadia Kharyati
Communications Officer
National Arts Centre
Erin Taylor
Facebook Canada
647-271-3647