The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, was at the LSPU Hall today to announce the opening of the second round of the Artist Support Program – an extension of the Tourism and Hospitality Support Program, as announced in Budget 2021.

Under the program eligible applicants, whose earnings have been impacted by the pandemic, may receive a non-repayable, one-time contribution of up to $5,000. Over 500 applications were approved in the first round of this program, which opened in November 2020.

Artists who received a grant from the Artist Support Program in the first round (November 2020 – March 2021) are eligible to apply again during this round.

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 for 2019 artistic activities, including sales, grants, awards, commissions, residencies, artist fees, royalties, and performances, will be required.

The 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.

Quotes
“We are pleased to be able to provide continued support to the cultural community through the Artist Support Program. It has been a difficult time for so many throughout the pandemic, but we are starting to see some light at the end of the tunnel. The online portal is now open and I encourage all our professional artists and musicians to visit the website and apply today.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

“We are thrilled that the Artist Support Program, which has already helped so many artists and musicians in the province, has been extended. The pandemic has had a deep impact on the livelihoods of the creative community, but the financial supports offered through this program will help to further assist the arts and culture sectors as we push forward on the road to recovery.”
Melanie Martin
Executive Director, ArtsNL

“MusicNL is excited for the relaunch of the Artist Support Program. Musicians continue to feel the impacts of the global pandemic. While the world opens and we plan for the new normal, professional musicians continue to require supports from government and community partners.”
Amy House
Chair, MusicNL

“The District of St. John’s East – Quidi Vidi is home to many artists who have been deeply impacted by the global pandemic. I am pleased to see our government provide an extension of the Artist Support Program that will provide a non-repayable, one time contribution to those affected in this industry. We will continue to support our artists and musicians as they contribute so much to the social and economic fabric of our communities across the province.”
Honourable John Abbott
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and MHA for St. John’s East – Quidi Vidi

“During the unprecedented circumstances create by this pandemic, all sectors have been hit hard by economic uncertainty as well as changes to how business is done — none more so than the arts and culture sector. The Artist Support Program is a much-needed resource for the cultural workers of Newfoundland and Labrador, and could serve as a model for the country. The investment provided directly to artists through this program has helped ensure our sector will remain vibrant and strong.”
George Murray
Local Author

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Media contacts
Debbie Marnell
Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
709-729-4570, 699-9048
debbiemarnell@gov.nl.ca

Charlene Jackson
ArtsNL
709-726-2212. ex.203
cjackson@nlac.ca

Amy House
MusicNL
amyhouse@nf.sympatico.ca

Matthew Cooper
Constituency Assistant to the MHA for the District of St. John’s East – Quidi Vidi
709-729-3709
matthewccooper@gov.nl.ca

George Murray
bookninja@gmail.com