Dear Friends and Colleagues,

EC3 wants to send a shout out to all local artists, cultural workers and arts and heritage organizations. These are very tough times and we want to say thank you for everything you are doing now and all that you do always, to make our cultural lives in Peterborough so rich.

We are constantly monitoring the situation in Peterborough, responding to questions from the ACH community and lobbying government at every level for sector specific Emergency Response and Recovery Assistance.

This issue of the EC3 COVID-19 Bulletin primarily covers various sources of financial aid that may support arts, culture and heritage workers. It is a bit of a moving target, so please check in on the latest information through the LINKS provided throughout.

Please LIKE and monitor the EC3 Facebook page and follow us on Twitter at @ECThreePtbo.

Federal

CERB Program

As many of you will know by now, the Federal Government has revised its Emergency Response Program and it is simpler and more clearly available to ACH sector workers. The new CERB program information is available here.

Small Business including Not for Profits

There is also a new program to help small businesses and NFPs. More information here.

Federal Income Tax Relief

On the federal income tax front, look here for information on postponements of deadlines for filing and payment.

Other Federal COVID-19 Response initiatives. Federal Student Loans:

See information here.

Department of Canadian Heritage

In a conference call meeting last week with the Minister of Canadian Heritage, organized by Business/Arts, he reported that there were no sector specific response programs yet, but that the CERB program did keep specifically keep ACH workers in mind. The Book and Periodical Fund payments are being expedited though, and should arrive sooner rather than later.

Organizations that have applied to, or are awaiting, DCH grants in any programs should check with their Program Officers for details on how any “end dates”, reporting, approvals, programming changes or cancelations will be handled. Better to do this sooner rather than later. DCH information here.

Canada Council for the Arts

While no announcement has yet been made regarding COVID-19 financial support for artists, Canada Council for the Arts has asked people and organizations to document the effects on their operations and published a range of special arrangements for applying and granting. See here for information on Canada Council programs.

Municipal

Community Investment and Project Grants

We understand from City staff and Councillor Riel (ACH portfolio and ACHAC Chair), that Council met on Monday, March 30, 2020 and the grants received final approval.

This meeting was particularly crucial for the Community Investment and Project Grants final approval and the disbursement of those funds. EC3 worked with ACHAC members, Councillors Riel and Akapo, and City staff on COVID-19 relief/response conditions attached to those grants. The same letter will go out to Service Grant recipients. We are confident City staff will move as fast as they can to get those monies out to you. EC3 has also proposed some other relief initiatives to the City and we are waiting to hear back on those. We will keep you updated.

Municipal Property Tax

Information on property tax relief.

Information on the Municipal Emergency Financial Support Fund.

Provincial

Queens’s Park

Information on provincial COVID-19 relief/response programs is in this rather dense document.

It looks as though there is student loan relief, some tax deferrals and there will be funding flowing to the municipality.

Ontario Arts Council

This link connects you to the OAC COVID FAQ page. We highly recommend that you contact your Program Officer (s) directly to discuss applications assessment plans, funding and reporting dates and program changes and challenges. Many Program Officers have issued special notices to applicants.

Rent Relief

Many banks will provide various kinds of mortgage payment relief, don’t be shy, call your bank. Also speak to your landlord.

Other Sources of Aid or Information on COVID-19 Relief Initiatives

• National Theatre School: Art Apart
• Writers Trust: Relief Fund
• National Arts Centre: #CanadaPerforms
• CHRC: Cultural sector resources for businesses and individuals
• CBC: resource list, including emergency funding for artists, online training, health resources, and temporary/remote jobs
• Resources for Canadian artists, writers, and media workers during COVID-19 shutdowns
• Support from Canadian financial institutions
• BC Alliance for Arts and Culture: list of resources for artists and cultural workers
• CSARN: list of current provincial and territorial protocols
• Digital Main Street: Resources for Small Business During COVID-19
• AFC: COVID-19 Funding
• The Photographer Fund: $25,000 fund to help self-employed photographers facing hardship
• Curating Care: honorariums for Independent INDIGENOUS Curators and Artists (deadline March 27)
• Glad Day: Emergency Survival Fund for LGBTQ2S artists, performers, tip-based workers
• 25+ Sites for Finding Remote Work
• How to stay connected during self-isolation: some useful tips
• Crisis Services Canada: Suicide prevention and support
• Writers Trust: Woodcock Fund Grant, providing emergency funds for writers mid-project
• The AFC: emergency financial aid for entertainment professionals
• Unison: financial aid for musicians
• CANADIAN Low-Income Artist/Musician Relief Fund: a group fundraising to support a relief fund
• Behind the Scenes:  Basic Needs Grants, providing financial assistance for seriously ill entertainment technology professionals in the U.S. and Canada
• Facebook/National Arts Centre Fund for Performing Artists: Accepting applications from artists who post a 45 to 60-minute online performance between today and March 31, 2020. Financial grants will be given out from a $100,000 relief fund.

Advocacy Groups that might not be on your radar and could help …

• I Lost My Gig Canada: A space for arts and other vulnerable freelance and gig workers in Canada and beyond to share stories and resources addressing the impacts of COVID-19.
• ArtsPond: Please fill out their online survey.
• Charity Village: Resources for the nonprofit and charitable sector.
• The Canadian Freelance Union: A community chapter of UNIFOR focused on advancing the rights of freelancers in communications and media industries.
• CMG Freelance: A branch of the Canadian Media Guild dedicated to supporting freelance workers.
• S’ATTAQ: A labour union for freelancers.
• ACTRA: Union of professional performers working in English-language recorded media in Canada.
• IATSE Canadian locals: The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts represents behind-the-scenes workers in film, theatre and television.
• Canadian Actors Equity Association: Represents artists working in theatre, opera and dance.
• Writers Guild of Canada: Represents English-language screenwriters in Canada.
• Associated Designers of Canada: A national, professional non-profit arts service organization dedicated to representing the interests of set, costume, lighting, projection and sound designers.
• Canadian Federation of Musicians: Professional organization for Canadian musicians.
• Playwrights Guild of Canada: National arts service association mandated to advance the creative rights and interests of professional Canadian playwrights.
• Soutien à/de la communauté culturelle québécoise – COVID-19: A Facebook group aimed at informing cultural workers, self-employed workers and artists on the measures in place for future government actions for financial support.
• Canadian Alliance of Dance Artists East: A not-for-profit that supports independent dance artists.
• Canadian Dance Assembly: Voice of the professional dance sector in Canada.
• Canadian Alliance of Dance Artists West: An alliance of dance artists.
• Canadian Association of Stand-up Comedians: A group that advocates for comedian rights in Canada.
• UBCP/ACTRA: BC’s autonomous branch of ACTRA
• Canadian Independent Music Association: a list of information and resources put together by CIMA.

Online Training Resources

• Skillshare: A free resource with classes on writing, acting and many more topics.
• Toronto Public Library eLearning portal: Free films and access to library materials for library card holders. Also check out Peterborough Public Library
• Calgary Digital Library: Access to library materials for card holders.
• Sourceful: Publicly sourced Google Docs and Sheets.

Health and mental health resources

• Crisis Services Canada: Providing suicide prevention and support. Call 1-833-456-4566.
• NABS support line: Confidential and professional assistance to marketing and communications professionals. Call 1-888-355-5548.
• Unison Counselling and Health Services: A toll-free number to connect Canadian music professionals with resources and support for personal and practical issues in English and French. Call 1-855-986-4766.
• CareMongering-TO: TO Community Response to COVID19: Facebook group connecting people in need with helpers in Toronto.

Temporary/remote job opportunities

• 25+ Sites for Finding Remote Work: A list of places you may find remote work.
• Resources for Remote Work: Google Doc with job postings that can be done remotely.

As more details become available, we will send out new bulletins. Please share any other information you may have.

Thinking of everyone in the ACH sector, friends and family.

Stay well and take care. Please don’t hesitate to call.

All the best,

Su Ditta and the EC3 Board and staff

Su Ditta
Executive Director
Electric City Culture Council (EC3)
electriccitycc@gmail.com
www.ecthree.org
705 749 9101

See our News & Information page for all the latest COVID-19 updates.

PRHC needs N95 masks to help hospital staff working during the COVID-19 epidemic.

If you have any unused and unopened masks you would be willing to donate, please follow the instructions below OR drop off in the covered plastic crate on the veranda at 591 Gilmour St. and EC3 will get them to the hospital. Many thanks for your support of front-line workers.

Peterborough Regional Health Centre
1 Hospital Dr, Peterborough, ON K9J 7C6
Drop Off Hours: Monday – Friday 7am – 3pm (loading dock at south side of building)

The Peterborough Regional Health Centre will receive donations of unopened PPE Monday – Friday, 7am – 3pm for the coming weeks (beginning March 26th). You may bring your donations to the loading dock, located at the south side of the building. It can be accessed via Alexander Avenue. You will see a ramp from the dock which leads to a door. Please knock. You will be screened for any symptoms – please stay home if you are displaying any! And your items will be received.

If you are able to donate supplies but unable to deliver them yourself, please be in touch with Sarah McGuire at peterboroughppedrive@gmail.com who may be able to arrange a pick up.

Su Ditta
Executive Director
Electric City Culture Council (EC3)
electriccitycc@gmail.com
www.ecthree.org
705 749 9101

See our News & Information page for all the latest COVID-19 updates.

“You can stay home and still access many library resources,” The Peterborough Examiner.

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

EC3 is fortunate to be in touch with a number of National and Provincial disciplinary-based arts service organizations.

Most have specific information and resources for artists working in those disciplines including relief programs, advice on contracts etc. Please check it out HERE.

We hope they can provide useful support to artists living in Peterborough.

Please take a moment and let us know what the top five issues are for you right now and any ideas that you have for relief or recovery programs.

As you have no doubt heard, the City has just declared a State of Emergency. Check out the City website here: HERE.

More information to come from EC3 tomorrow on relief initiatives.

Thinking of everyone in the ACH sector, friends and family.

All the best,

Su Ditta and the Board and staff of EC3
Executive Director
Electric City Culture Council (EC3)
electriccitycc@gmail.com
www.ecthree.org
705 749 9101

See our News & Information page for all the latest COVID-19 updates.

EC3 continues to monitor the situation regarding COVID-19 and particularly the impact on the local, arts, culture and heritage community. We are posting information about closures, alternative activities, plans and ideas constantly. Please check our Twitter account and Facebook page for the most up to date information.

EC3 has been in communication with City Hall staff about the Community Investment and Projects Grants and you should have heard from them by now that the Province has adapted the Municipal Act to allow City Council to do this kind of business now, even if it can’t meet face to face for votes, and that they expect these grants to be out shortly.

The impact of the Covid virus is hitting the ACH sector particularly hard, so we are providing two documents that we hope will help you to navigate the new federal government financial aid packages. One comes from the Canada Council for the Arts and the other from the Centre for Small Business. We will also make these available as aFacebook post that you can share.

Action

We are retweeting (@ECThreePtbo) updates from multiple cultural service organizations.

If you have ideas on how the City of Peterborough or EC3 can help meet the current challenges, please get in touch.

Let us know how you or your organization is being affected, especially financially.

What action could the City take that would make a difference? What relief/recovery initiatives would help?

Contact EC3 at: electriccitycc@gmail.com.

Please keep monitoring our Twitter account and Facebook page. Website updates coming ASAP. Also, please let us know if you have alternative plans for your programs, just in case we aren’t getting your Facebook posts etc.

Any fun ideas for arts or heritage activities that respect “social distancing” guidelines? Let us know and we will promote. Call us if you just need to talk.

EC3 is mindful that the health and well-being of all ACH workers, artists, staff and audiences is everyone’s foremost concern. Please take care of yourselves, friends, colleagues and loved ones, and don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Update from the Canada Council for the Arts

COVID-19 : Info update Federal government package in response to COVID-19
March 18, 2020

On March 18, 2020, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced an $82B aid package aimed at helping Canadians financially through the COVID-19 crisis.

It is well understood that the health and livelihood of many Canadian artists and arts organizations are being directly affected by the global spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Those in our community who are considered self-employed, may not have access to employment insurance (EI) or paid sick leave. Among those employed by an organization, many will face similar financial challenges, as their employers are being similarly impacted financially by the COVID-19 pandemic. A number of measures announced today will alleviate the mounting economic difficulties being experienced by artists, culture workers and arts organizations. In the meantime, artists and arts organizations may look to the following for support:

Emergency Care Benefit

Temporary income support for workers and parents without paid sick leave (or similar workplace accommodation) who are sick quarantined, or forced to stay home to care for children. As announced on March 11, the mandatory one-week waiting period for EI sickness benefits has been waived, as has the requirement for a medical certificate.

Those who are ineligible for EI and don’t have access to paid sick leave will be able to receive up to $900 every two weeks, for 15 weeks. This applies to those who fall ill, are quarantined, self-isolated, or who have to care for a family member with COVID-19, or who must stay home with their children due to school closures.

These funds will be available in early April through an online application, and funds will be dispersed through direct deposit. No medical documentation will be required.

Emergency Support Benefit

For longer-term income support to workers who lose their jobs or face reduced hours as a result of COVID’s impact, an Emergency Support Benefit delivered through the Canada Revenue Agency will provide up to $5B in support to workers who are not eligible for EI. Included are:

GST Credit: a one-time special payment by early May 2020 through the Goods and Services Tax credit. The average boost to income for those benefitting from this measure will be close to $400 for single individuals and close to $600 for couples.

Canada Child Benefit

the maximum annual Canada Child Benefit (CCB) payment amount will increase for the 2019-20 benefit year by $300 per child as part of the May payment. Wage subsidy: the Government announced a 10% wage subsidy that will be available for small businesses for three months, up to a maximum of $2K per employer. This applies to not-for-profit organizations and charities.

Personal finances

The deadline to file taxes for 2019 has been extended to June 1. Canadians who have filed their taxes already, and owe money, will not have to pay until September 1, 2020. Targeted assistance is expected for more vulnerable groups affected by COVID-19.

The six largest financial institutions will work with individuals and small businesses to provide flexible solutions on an individual basis.

The Canada Council for the Arts and Canadian Heritage are working in collaboration to provide options to the government for additional support for artists and arts organizations We will continue to keep you informed and updated as we learn more.

Click for updates on how the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is affecting our programs and services.

Via The Small Business Centre:

All the best,
Su Ditta
Executive Director
Electric City Culture Council (EC3)
electriccitycc@gmail.com
www.ecthree.org
705 749 9101

See our News & Information page for all the latest COVID-19 updates.

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

We are closely monitoring the evolving situation regarding COVID-19 and particularly its impact on the local arts, culture and heritage community. EC3 is posting information about closures, cancellations, alternative plans and ideas, as well as information resources on our Twitter account and Facebook page constantly.

We have been in touch with the Arts, Culture and Heritage Division at Peterborough City Hall and they assure us they are working hard on plans for grant approvals, the release of funds and other ACH business matters and will make announcements ASAP. EC3 has also asked that we be included in any planning exercises with regard to municipal relief programs, interim measures, recovery initiatives etc. Our sector is particularly vulnerable to job loss and income loss and may require special assistance. Many venues are closed and feeling a profound financial impact.

EC3 is also working with the Canadian Arts Coalition on information, advocacy initiatives and resources.

For information

We suggest you monitor the City of Peterborough website, Facebook page, and Twitter account for updates, as well as Peterborough Public Health for general COVID-19 updates and information.

Please follow the links below government updates on COVID-19 from the Federal and Ontario governments.

Please see the following website for ACH updates: Canadian Heritage, Ontario Arts Council, Toronto Public Health.

Action

We are retweeting updates from multiple cultural service organizations at @ECThreePtbo on Twitter and Electric City Culture Council on Facebook.

If you have ideas on how the City of Peterborough or EC3 can help meet the current challenges, please get in touch. Let us know how you or your organization is being affected, especially financially. What action could the City take that would make a difference? What recovery initiatives would help? Contact EC3 at electriccitycc@gmail.com.

Please keep monitoring our Facebook page and Twitter accounts. Website updates coming ASAP.
Also, please let us know if you have alternative plans for your programs, just in case we aren’t getting your Facebook posts etc. Any fun ideas for arts or heritage activities that respect “social distancing” guidelines? Let us know and we will promote.

EC3 is mindful that the health and well being of all ACH workers, artists, staff and audiences is everyone’s foremost concern.

Please take care of yourselves and don’t hesitate to get in touch.

All the best,

Su Ditta and the EC3 Board and staff

Su Ditta
Executive Director
Electric City Culture Council (EC3)
electriccitycc@gmail.com
www.ecthree.org
705 749 9101

See our News & Information page for all the latest COVID-19 updates.

Grantwriting 3.0:
Grantwriting for Indigenous
Artists & Curators

Artists need time and money to make work and present it to the public.
Public funding for the arts plays a crucial role in that process, but most artists
and curators find successful grantwriting a challenge. What works? What to avoid?
How do juries function? What are the programs at the arts councils dedicated to Indigenous artists about? How can applicants be successful?

• This free, day-long workshop for Indigenous artists & curators will feature:
  • guest speakers sharing their knowledge and experience writing successful grants
  • officers from the Canada Council for the Arts and the Ontario Arts Council explaining grant programs and offering advice
  • opportunities for one-on-one meetings to discuss project ideas
  • follow-up mentorships for up to five participants.

Confirmed presenters:
Tia Cavanagh (inter-disciplinary arts and community-based projects)
Nadia McLaren (Visual and Media Arts)
Nick Ferrio (Music)
Ryan Rice (Visual Arts Curator)
William Kingfisher (Curator and Art Historian)
Couzyn van Heuvelen (Visual Arts)

Officers:
JL Watson – Canada Council for the Arts
Maura Broadhurst – Ontario Arts Council

Where: Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre
580 Cameron St, Peterborough, ON K9J 3Z5

When: November 23rd, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Want more info?
EMAIL: programmanagerelectriccitycc@gmail.com

Details HERE

On June 21st at 3:00 pm celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day by listening to an interview with Curve Lake visual artist Alice Olsen Williams on the Electric City Culture-cast. Tune in Trent Radio at 92.7 FM. Alice was the winner of Outstanding Achievement by a Senior Artist Award at the 2019 Peterborough Arts Awards.

Listen HERE