The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation today announced that professional artists and musicians, whose earnings were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, will be able to apply for funding through the Artist Support Program – an extension of the Tourism and Hospitality Support Program. The application process is now open online.
Under this new short-term program, as announced in Budget 2020, eligible applicants may receive a non-repayable, one-time contribution of up to $5,000.
As part of the eligibility guidelines, professional artists and musicians must meet the criteria of a professional artist, as outlined in the Status of the Artist Act. Eligible applicants must also demonstrate an earnings loss of at least 25 per cent from their artistic activity since March 16, 2020. Additional information such as gross revenue from 2019 artistic activities, including sales, grants, awards, commissions, residencies, artist fees, royalties, and performances, will be required.
This new program is open to current residents of Newfoundland and Labrador, who are at least 18 years of age. More program details and information on how to apply is available on the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation website.
The Artist Support Program complements other Provincial and Federal Government supports announced to date.
Quotes
“During these unprecedented times, the Provincial Government has placed considerable focus on ways to help alleviate the stress and burden of COVID-19. The Artist Support Program will assist those professional artists and musicians who have felt the deep impacts of this pandemic, allowing them to access the support they need.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
“The COVID-19 pandemic has had, and continues to have, a devastating impact on the arts community in Newfoundland and Labrador. Professional artists have been especially impacted through the loss of opportunities to showcase their creative talents and generate income. The Artist Support Program is an incredibly timely initiative that will assist artists across the province to bridge the gap as we collectively work towards addressing the future of the culture sector.”
Reginald Winsor,
Executive Director, Arts NL
“The Artist Support Program will provide much needed assistance to our musicians, whose earnings have been significantly reduced due to the pandemic. As the chair of MusicNL, I am thrilled that the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation is able to support our musicians and all of those engaged in the gig economy through this difficult time. We will get through this together.”
Amy House,
Chair, MusicNL
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Learn more
Artist Support Program
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Media contacts
Eric Humber
Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
709-729-4819, 725-9655
erichumber@gov.nl.ca
Reginald Winsor
Arts NL
709-726-2212
Dave Shears
Music NL
709-754-2574