EC3 in the News: Peterborough Examiner
August 6th, 2021
“Photos: Artist Brad Brackenridge performs Vertep puppet-based multimedia performance in Peterborough” by Clifford Skarstedt, Peterborough Examiner.
Posted in Media Coverage
August 6th, 2021
“Photos: Artist Brad Brackenridge performs Vertep puppet-based multimedia performance in Peterborough” by Clifford Skarstedt, Peterborough Examiner.
Posted in Media Coverage
August 6th, 2021
Hello everyone,
We so hope that you’re finding time to enjoy the summertime weather and the relaxed public health regulations, and that you’ve been able to get out to some of arts events that are starting to happen around town.
In this Bulletin, we have a roundup of updates from the arts and culture sector: updates on government assistance programs (for organizations and for individuals), information about a local arts event, a list of upcoming grant deadlines, an organization offering legal advice for artists, and some suggestions for other newsletters to subscribe to if you want even more arts sector news.
Last week, the Government of Canada announced extensions to a number of COVID-19 relief programs.
For employers: The eligibility period for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS), the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) and Lockdown Support have been extended until October 23, 2021, and the rate of support employers and organizations can receive during upcoming periods has been increased.
For individuals: The Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB), the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB), and the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB), have been extended, also until October 23, 2021. The maximum number of weeks available for CRB has been increased by an additional 4 weeks, to a total of 54 weeks, at a rate of $300 per week, and the government has clarified the rules surrounding availability for those who have exhausted their employment insurance (EI) benefits.
For the employers out there: as the wage subsidy (CEWS) winds down, the federal government has also introduced a new program, the Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP), that extends worker benefits until November 20.
CRHP is in many ways similar to CEWS – it’s a wage subsidy for organizations who experienced a revenue drop during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s calculated in 4-week periods, and it has a similar application process. The primary difference is that CEWS provides a higher maximum subsidy, but calculates the subsidy rate based on the organization’s revenue loss, while CRHP provides a flat amount. This handy chart is a good overview of how the two programs compare, and this page goes into more depth about it.
CRHP is available now, and employers can choose whether they want to apply to CRHP or CEWS (but not both). Use the online calculators to compare the subsidy amounts, and choose the one that’s better for your organization.
See here for more information on the program and to apply.
In upcoming local arts events news, August sees the start of the Precarious3 Festival. This new iteration of the Precarious Festival consists of a series of nine residencies by local artists in a wide range of disciplines, taking place at The Theatre on King over the next several months.
It kicks off with the Artsweek SHIFT²-supported residency by theatre-dance artist Jenn Cole, taking place August 15 to 31. Head to The Theatre on King’s website for full festival details, and check out the poster below:
Click image for full size
Are you in need of legal advice as an artist? The Ontario Artists’ Legal Access & Support Network is a collaboration between CARFAC Ontario artists and ALAS (Artists’ Legal Advice Services) lawyers.
Here is how they describe themselves:
Our Support Network consists of:
This collaboration has been formed to provide free legal advice and information, non-legal peer support, and resources for artists related to their practices, particularly including those artists who lack access to these kinds of support because of overlapping systemic barriers such as racism, homophobia, transphobia, and/or misogyny. We also acknowledge that these barriers can be compounded by mental health issues, disabilities, poverty, legal/immigration status, access to education, experience in the justice system, among other ongoing barriers. Our intention is to support artists through a holistic lens of support and care. Our programs will be developed on a needs-based basis, and we are available to connect with you individually so that we can understand the issues you’re facing, and how we may be able to provide support.
To find out more or inquire about specific issues affecting yourself or your group, collective or community, check out the Network’s website, or contact Camila at outreach@carfacontario.ca or (647) 697-0033.
Trying to keep up to date on the latest arts sector news? Of course you are – you’re currently reading a newsletter titled ‘Arts Sector News Roundup.’ But if you’re looking for even more information, we suggest subscribing to the following newsletters. These are excellent resources, put out by interesting and relevant national arts service organizations, that are always packed full of useful advice, news, grant opportunities, webinar announcements, think-pieces, and more:
Here are some important grant deadlines coming up soon:
Please stay well and let us know how we can help.
TRACK THE IMPACT.
As always, keep checking the EC3 Facebook page, @ECThreePtbo on Twitter, @ec3ptbo on Instagram, and the COVID-19 Updates page on EC3’s website, where we are providing daily updates on programs and services available for ACH workers and organizations.
Be safe, stay healthy, and please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Su Ditta and the EC3 Board and staff
Contact
Su Ditta
Executive Director
Electric City Culture Council (EC3)
electriccitycc@gmail.com
www.ecthree.org
705 749 9101
July 31st, 2021
“Puppeteer Performs for Solo Audiences” by Harrison Perkins, CTV Toronto.
Posted in Media Coverage
July 30th, 2021
“How Deborah Berrill’s idea grew into a $100,000 fund supporting 15 Peterborough arts organizations” by Bruce Head, KawarthaNOW.
Posted in Media Coverage
July 29th, 2021
“15 Peterborough arts groups receive pandemic boost from Arts Alive Fund” by Vikram Nijhawan, Peterborough Examiner.
Posted in Media Coverage
July 28th, 2021
Hello everyone,
We hope you are all finding some time to unwind a bit this summer and take in some arts events as COVID-19 health and safety restrictions begin to ease.
EC3 and the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough are pleased to announce that the Peterborough Arts Alive Fund has awarded $104,500 in COVID-19 Strategic Recovery and Resilience Grants to 15 local arts organizations.
The Peterborough Arts Alive Fund is one of several initiatives EC3 designed to provide critical support to professional arts organizations and individual artists during the pandemic. This fund provides grants of up to $10,000 each to local arts organizations working in any discipline and in any arts capacity (creation, production, exhibition, presentation, performance, education, etc.) to assist them in managing the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, respond creatively to the current situation, prepare to effectively reopen when they can, and ensure a sustainable and resilient future.
Grants awarded range between $2,500 and $10,000 and support projects in artistic creation and development, PPE and public health upgrades, management and staff training/coaching/expert consulting, technology and digital upgrades, marketing and communications development, and staffing. Applications were reviewed and evaluated by a five-member peer assessment jury who recommended the grant amounts.
Organizations receiving grants though the Peterborough Arts Alive Fund include:
For a full list of grant recipients and projects please see the ‘News & Information’ section of the EC3 website or follow this link.
There are so many people to thank for this project: all of the amazing individual private donors who contributed to the fund, stepping up to support the arts during an incredibly challenging time; our incredible partners at the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough, who administered the fund and helped with fundraising; local arts supporter Deborah Berrill, who came up with the idea for the fund, made an initial contribution and supported additional fundraising; and the Peterborough Performing Arts Recovery Alliance, for their enthusiastic fundraising support.
Special thanks and our heartfelt appreciation go out to the City of Peterborough for its very generous contribution of $40,000.
“COVID-19 has had a massive impact on the arts community. This is a sector that makes an enormous contribution to the quality of life in Peterborough, and plays a profound role in our social and economic well-being. Both organizations and individual artists suffered as facilities closed, exhibitions were cancelled, audiences drifted, box office revenues disappeared and artists’ fees and commissions evaporated. These grants allow the arts community to pivot, adapt, collaborate, plan and retool for the current situation and post-COVID-19 success.” Bill Kimball, President, EC3
“We live in an extraordinary community that combines an outstanding tradition of philanthropic giving, civic pride in and municipal financial support for, the local arts sector. It is this passion for the arts and respect for and commitment to the outstanding artists, arts organizations and volunteers that create the vibrant cultural life we are so fortunate to enjoy here. Our work on the Peterborough Arts Alive Fund was inspiring beyond measure and we are very grateful to everyone who made this program possible and for the tenacity and creativity of the entire Peterborough arts community.” Su Ditta, Executive Director, EC3
Next up on the EC3 agenda: the Peterborough Poet Laureate Program.
Posted in COVID-19, Bulletin, EC3 Announcement
July 28th, 2021
Posted in Media Coverage
July 28th, 2021
Peterborough, ON – The Electric City Culture Council (EC3) is pleased to announce that the Peterborough Arts Alive Fund has awarded $104,500 in COVID-19 Strategic Recovery and Resilience Grants to 15 local arts organizations. This fund was made possible through a partnership with the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough (CFGP), who joined forces with EC3 to raise funds and collaborate on the granting process.
The Peterborough Arts Alive Fund is one of several initiatives EC3 designed to provide critical support to professional arts organizations and individual artists during the pandemic. This fund provided grants of up to $10,000 each to local arts organizations working in any discipline and in any arts capacity (creation, production, exhibition, presentation, performance, education, etc.) to assist them in managing the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, respond creatively to the current situation, prepare to effectively reopen when they can, and ensure a sustainable and resilient future.
Grants awarded range between $2,500 and $10,000 and support projects in artistic creation and development, PPE and public health upgrades, management and staff training/coaching/expert consulting, technology and digital upgrades, marketing and communications development, and staffing. Applications were reviewed and evaluated by a five-member peer assessment jury who recommended the grant amounts.
The initial idea came from local arts supporter Deborah Berrill, leading a group of private donors who, along with EC3 and the CFGP, collaborated on the efforts that raised $104,500 for the Peterborough Arts Alive Fund. EC3 is also very grateful to the Peterborough Performing Arts Recovery Alliance for fundraising support and particularly to the City of Peterborough for its generous contribution of $40,000 to the fund.
“COVID-19 has had a massive impact on the arts community. This is a sector that makes an enormous contribution to the quality of life in Peterborough, and plays a profound role in our social and economic well-being. Both organizations and individual artists suffered as facilities closed, exhibitions were cancelled, audiences drifted, box office revenues disappeared and artists’ fees and commissions evaporated. These grants allow the arts community to pivot, adapt, collaborate, plan and retool for the current situation and post-COVID-19 success.” Bill Kimball, President, EC3
“We live in an extraordinary community that combines an outstanding tradition of philanthropic giving, civic pride in and municipal financial support for, the local arts sector. It is this passion for the arts and respect for and commitment to the outstanding artists, arts organizations and volunteers that create the vibrant cultural life we are so fortunate to enjoy here. Our work on the Peterborough Arts Alive Fund was inspiring beyond measure and we are very grateful to everyone who made this program possible and for the tenacity and creativity of the entire Peterborough arts community.” Su Ditta, Executive Director, EC3
“Local artists and arts organizations provide Peterborough with an amazing cultural life, one that we appreciated even more during the pandemic as their work lifted our spirits, offered us meaning and brought us together. It’s so important that we continue to support them through this difficult period and into the future, so they can keep doing what they do best.” Deborah Berrill, Educator and Arts Supporter
Organizations receiving grants though the Peterborough Arts Alive Fund include:
For a full list of grant recipients and projects please see the ‘News & Information’ section of the EC3 website or follow this link.
The Electric City Culture Council (EC3) is a not-for-profit service organization supporting the arts and culture community in Peterborough and the surrounding region. EC3 provides strategic leadership, research, resources and connections that build and strengthen the sector.
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For Further Information Contact:
Su Ditta
Executive Director, EC3
705 749 9101
electriccitycc@gmail.com
www.ecthree.org
Posted in Media Release, COVID-19, EC3 Announcement
July 27th, 2021
The following are the results of the Petebrorough Arts Alive Fund: COVID-19 Strategic Recovery & Resilience Grants program.
Thank you to our partner on this project, the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough. Thank you as well to the Peterborough Performing Arts Recovery Alliance for their fundraising support, to the City of Petebrorough for their contribution to the Fund, as well as to our generous private donors.
4th Line Theatre ($10,000)
Kawartha Youth Orchestra ($6,000)
Market Hall Performing Arts Centre ($10,000)
P.R. Community and Student Association (Sadleir House) ($2,500)
Peterborough Artist Inc. – Artspace ($6,800)
Peterborough County Children’s Chorus ($4,500)
Peterborough Symphony Orchestra ($7,500)
Peterborough Theatre Guild ($4,500)
ReFrame Film Festival ($10,000)
Showplace Peterborough Performance Centre ($10,000)
SPARK Photo Festival ($5,500)
The Art School of Peterborough ($6,900)
The Peterborough Singers ($4,300)
The Theatre on King ($10,000)
Trent Radio ($6,000)
Posted in COVID-19, EC3 Announcement
July 22nd, 2021
Artsweek returns this year at the usual time, with a COVID 19 responsive version of the popular festival that brings new works by local artists to audiences – in unexpected places. This year’s Festival will combine commissions and co-productions with projects selected by a peer assessment committee from the applications to this Call. Artsweek takes over City and all events FREE! It’s a multi-disciplinary extravaganza of music, visual arts, media arts, literary and spoken word arts, puppetry, theatre, performance, projections, poetry and circus arts.
Applications for project grants are welcome from individual artists as well as arts organizations and arts collectives.
Please check out the CALL FOR PROPOSALS and PROGRAM GUIDELINES below. Stand by for information on Application Workshops.
Artsweek is Peterborough’s “festival of the arts” – an extravaganza of music, literary and spoken word arts, puppetry and kid’s programming, media arts, visual arts, circus art, dance, theatre and performance of all kinds, unfolding online and in public spaces and established art venues across the city.
Artsweek takes place every other year. Artsweek 2020 was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic (replaced by Artsweek SHIFT), but makes its triumphant return in 2021.
Since its beginning as part of the City of Peterborough’s Centennial Celebrations in 2005, this legacy project has brought new work to new audiences in unexpected ways, supported original creation by local artists, and celebrated Peterborough as an innovative, creative community with a vibrant arts scene. Projects can take anywhere in the city or online, and proposals for unexpected arts venues are especially welcome.
Artsweek is produced by the Electric City Culture Council (EC3). The Festival typically includes approximately 30 projects, 60 events, more than 100 artists, and about 80 partners. Artsweek 2021 is a slightly modified version of the Festival due to the pressures of COVID-19, with a greater focus on commissions and co-productions.
Instructions
If you would like to apply to be part of Artsweek 2021 and receive funding to support your project, please read all the information below before completing the application form at the end of this package.
Please use the checklist on the final page to ensure you have included all the required information. Applications are welcome from individual artists in any discipline, from all kinds and sizes of arts organizations, and from partnerships and collaborations between arts and non-arts applicants.
Timeline / Deadlines
Programming
This is an Open Call for innovative new projects in any artistic discipline, for any location within the city or online, following current COVID-19 public health guidelines.
This Call for Proposals includes, but is not limited to: performance (dance, theatre, multi-disciplinary), visual art (installations, interventions, exhibitions), media arts, writing/spoken word, and any form of music or sound. Individual artists, collectives, ad hoc groups, or arts organizations may propose projects. Conventional, pop-ups, one time, continuous or short-run project proposals are all eligible. Curated, educational or community-based projects are eligible. Partnerships and collaborations with other organizations are welcome. Artists are encouraged to explore ideas taking place anywhere in the City, as well as in online spaces.
Financial Support
Artsweek grants will contribute between $2,000 and $5,000 towards projects; however, artists are encouraged to seek out other funding sources to help contribute to the full cost of their projects if possible. Artsweek will support artists in their applications/requests to other funding sources. Artsweek will collect donations at all events. That revenue goes to the overall costs of the Festival. All Artsweek events are free to the public.
Eligible Applicants
Applicants may include individual artists (emerging to established), collectives, ad hoc groups, or arts and culture organizations etc. from the City and County of Peterborough, including Hiawatha and Curve Lake First Nations.
Eligible applicants must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or people upon whom refugee protection has been conferred.
Projects must be presented within city limits or online during the week of September 24 to October 3, 2021.
Equity and Inclusion
Artsweek and EC3 are committed to equity and inclusion, and welcome applications from diverse cultural communities within the City and County of Peterborough including people who are Deaf, hard of hearing, or people living with disabilities.
If you are a first-time applicant and need assistance with the process, please contact the Artsweek team at: infoartsweek@gmail.com. Please watch social media for an announcement of a public information workshop about applications to Artsweek 2021.
Vulnerable Communities
If your project involves working with a vulnerable community (e.g. minors, those living with mental illness, economic disadvantage, etc.), EC3 may require the completion of a Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC) from any project participants who will be interacting directly with members of that community, before Artsweek funds can be released. Proof that the participant has recently passed a PVSC (within the last year) will also be acceptable. EC3 can cover the cost of the PVSC upon request.
Assessment of Applications
A Programming Committee selected by the EC3 Board of Directors will review applications/proposals. Projects will be selected based on the following criteria:
Notification
Artsweek will email you a notice acknowledging receipt of your submission shortly after the final application deadline. Acknowledgement indicates that your application has been received, not that it is eligible or approved. You will be informed of the results by August 18, 2021.
Successful Applicants
If your application is successful, EC3/Artsweek will send you a Letter of Agreement.
Application Checklist
Contact
Gabe Pollock, EC3/Artsweek Program Coordinator
infoartsweek@gmail.com
705-749-9101
www.artsweekpeterborough.ca
Posted in Bulletin, EC3 Announcement