Additional funding for the arts
When can the recovery truly begin and what will it look like? Even if we can’t say for sure, we can prepare.
In its 2020 Fall Economic Statement, the federal government announced $181.5M in additional funds in 2021‒22 for the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Canada Council for the Arts to enhance their support to the arts sector. We expect that the specifics of the funding will be revealed in early 2021.
With these funds, the Council plans to support projects that create jobs. As soon as we get the green light, we will announce our initiatives, and we intend to distribute the funding very quickly. It is urgent that we support those who have been without work thus far. You should start preparing now.
- If you have research and creation projects that require hiring collaborators, now is the time to define the broad strokes.
- If you are part of an artistic group or organization, now is also the time to consider creative projects for new works or adaptations of existing works that will enable you to share your artistic and literary creations with broader audiences via digital technology.
We are looking for proposals that require that you hire artists and experts, who need to work to get through the pandemic. Once again, please be ready.
Before the new funding is made available, we will have the opportunity to discuss the last year and our vision for the future with you and with the broader public. And so I encourage you to add our 2021 Annual Public Meeting to your calendars (it will be held at 4 p.m. EST on January 26, 2021).
In closing, I want to thank you for your confidence, and I salute your courage and your efforts to fly the arts-and-culture flag high and proud during these difficult times. I wish you restorative holidays. I hope you take time to recuperate—and rest assured that we will be by your side more than ever after the holiday break.
Simon Brault, O.C., O.Q.
Director and CEO
Read the Director and CEO’s full statement