In response to the impacts of COVID-19 on the arts sector, the City of Edmonton and the Edmonton Arts Council (EAC) have launched the Arts Presentation Fund for COVID Recovery, a new funding opportunity for arts organizations, festivals, community leagues, and other presenters/venues.
Managed by the EAC, grants between $500 and $10,000 per applicant will be available to presenters for the purpose of compensating local artists, for performances or presentations in Edmonton.
“This new fund is the perfect way for Edmonton organizations and venues to not only support artists but also to bring joy and vibrancy to the communities they serve,” says Mayor Amarjeet Sohi. “I deeply believe in the power of the arts to heal and create a sense of belonging, especially after these two difficult years. I can’t wait to see what our creatives have in store, and I encourage organizations to take advantage of this opportunity to boost your community’s recovery and support Edmonton artists.”
“The last two years have been dominated by disruption, causing severe financial hardship to artists and arts organizations,” says Sanjay Shahani, Executive Director of the Edmonton Arts Council. “Artistic creation is central to the human experience, and the resilience and adaptability of our artists in the face of adversity has been nothing short of remarkable. These funds will aid in Edmonton’s economic recovery from COVID-19, by investing in our artists, and enable a wide range of presenters to strengthen connectedness, vibrancy and well-being in our city.”
Applications for the Arts Presentation Fund for COVID Recovery will open on May 1, 2022, and commitments will begin in the spring of 2022, continuing on an ongoing basis until November 1, 2022, or until the available budget has been committed.
To apply for this granting opportunity, applicants must complete the application via the Edmonton Arts Council’s Online Portal: eac.smartsimple.ca. Visit the EAC website for the full program guidelines and more information: grants.edmontonarts.ca/eac_grants_-_grants_for_arts_&_festival_organizations/covid_recovery/
