Today, February 1, 2022, the Department of Canadian Heritage announced the launch of the Canada Performing Arts Workers Resilience Fund.

This new temporary funding program will provide $60 million to help workers in the live performance sector. It will fund initiatives that:

• provide short-term financial assistance to those experiencing economic hardship and requiring emergency support; and/or
• provide workers with guidance, information, and professional development opportunities in areas such as financial management, mental health and well-being, and career transition.

This funding opportunity is available to eligible applicants such as artist unions, guilds, associations, service organizations, benevolent foundations, or Indigenous organizations that are mandated to represent the interests of cultural workers in live performance occupations, including musicians, actors, directors, choreographers, designers and technicians.

Funding eligibility requirements and contact information to request an application package are available on the Canada Performing Arts Workers Resilience Fund webpage. More details can be found in the Application Guidelines. The deadline to apply is March 4, 2022.