Equiflash Archive

Direct financial assistance is now available to support all of Equity’s disciplines through several organizations dispersing funding from the Canada Performing Arts Workers Resilience Fund provided by Canadian Heritage.

• The AFC has launched the Reactivation Program, for Equity members working in opera and theatre, across all of Equity’s disciplines, living outside of the province of Quebec.
  
  
• La Fondation des Artistes has launched the Resilience Fund, for Equity members working in opera, theatre and dance, across all of Equity’s disciplines, residing in the province of Quebec.
  
  
• The Canadian Dance Assembly has launched the Resilience Fund, for Equity members working as independent dancers and dancers at any of the ballet companies in Canada.

Each program will distribute direct financial assistance up to a one-time relief payment of $2,500 (maximum) on an ongoing basis to live performance workers who are experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic and who need support. This includes independent, self-employed, and gig workers, (including non-permanent employees). Equity members are encouraged to apply. Funds will be distributed on a first come first serve basis.

Fund allocation is prioritized for artists who have been hit hardest by the pandemic: IBPOC, racialized people, 2SLGBTQIA+, deaf people, persons with disabilities, rural and underserved areas.

Equity and its Live Performance Coalition partners were strong advocates with Canadian Heritage to introduce this benefit specifically designed to support individual artists.

Equity continues continue to await news on how the remaining $10 million in the secondary stream of the Resilience Fund will be distributed.