From: Canadian Heritage
News release
GATINEAU, June 27, 2022
“Our arts, culture and heritage sectors have been some of the hardest hit throughout the pandemic, especially organizations that depend on in-person attendance. As tourism begins to recover and visitors gradually return to our theatres, museums and galleries, we continue to be there to help organizations that have been most affected by the impacts of COVID-19.
Today, the Minister of Canadian Heritage Pablo Rodriguez announced details of the Canada Arts and Culture Recovery Program (CACRP), which will provide targeted support for cultural organizations that still face significant financial challenges in the third year of the pandemic.
As announced in Budget 2022, the Government of Canada is investing $50 million to support Canadian arts, culture and heritage organizations that have experienced revenue losses due to public health restrictions and capacity limits and the ongoing hesitancy of audiences to return. This funding will reinforce the two-year, $300-million Recovery Fund for the Arts, Culture, Heritage and Sport Sectors and the $200-million Reopening Fund from Budget 2021.
This recovery fund will help organizations ease the financial risks of organizing activities in an unpredictable operating environment. CACRP will help offset declines in a broad range of self-generated income.
This funding will be delivered over the coming weeks and months through the following Canadian Heritage existing programs and portfolio Crown corporations:
- Canada Arts Presentation Fund
- Museums Assistance Program
- Canada Music Fund
- Canada Council for the Arts
- Telefilm Canada
The attached backgrounder provides details for each CACRP funding component.
Quotes
“Canada’s cultural sector has shown incredible resilience in the face of COVID-19. We can’t wait for arts organizations and workers to stage more performances and events, welcome back audiences and rebuild revenues. Our arts, culture and heritage organizations contribute to our economy in important ways, especially in drawing tourists and creating jobs in communities big and small throughout the country. We will always be there to support the arts.”
—Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage
“As we continue to work towards a rebuilding and strengthening of the arts sector in Canada, I welcome the additional support that the Canada Arts and Culture Recovery Program will enable. The $9.2 million allotted to the Canada Council will be administered in alignment with our commitment to establishing a more sustainable, inclusive and vibrant arts and culture workforce in Canada. While working with, and in support of arts organizations, we are keeping artists at the center of our thinking.”
—Simon Brault, Director, and Chief Executive Officer of the Canada Council for the Arts
“As the effects of COVID-19 continue to be felt, Telefilm Canada will continue to be there for Canadian film exhibitors and distributors. During this recovery period, while Canadians safely return to their local movie theatres and film festivals, this additional targeted support from the Government of Canada is both essential and greatly appreciated.”
—Christa Dickenson, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Telefilm Canada
Quick facts
- The 2020 Fall Economic Statement committed to supporting Canadian arts and live events workers in response to COVID-19 and provided $181.5 million to help provide work opportunities for Canadian artists and cultural workers and stabilize the overall environment.
- Budget 2021 provided $500 million over two years to support the reopening and recovery of Canada’s arts, culture, heritage and sports sectors. This included funding to support Canadian festivals, outdoor theatres and local museums in delivering in-person experiences and events to draw visitors to our communities and encourage the safe return of audiences.
- The 2021 Economic and Fiscal Update outlined $60 million in 2022-2023 to create the Canada Performing Arts Workers Resilience Fund. This temporary program supports Canadian performing artists and behind-the-scenes workers who were financially affected by public health restrictions and closures.
- Budget 2022 also committed $12.1 million for the National Arts Centre to support the creation, co-production, presentation, promotion and touring of productions with Canadian commercial and not-for-profit performing arts companies.”
