Measures to help artists, writers and organizations weather the crisis
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec (CALQ) has introduced ad hoc measures to support artists, writers and cultural organizations.
1. Support to performing arts presentation organizations
The CALQ announces the return of the Physically Distanced Performances measure, which was a resounding success in 2020 and made it possible for Quebecers to enjoy a host of artistic performances while observing public health restrictions. The purpose of this measure is to enable organizations – and, this year, artists – to explore ways to present their works to live audiences during the pandemic. A $5 million budget has been allocated to this financial assistance, including $1.5 million announced by the government in the provincial budget.
The CALQ is providing temporary financial support for ad hoc initiatives to help make it possible to present shows to live audiences in environments that respect government restrictions on gatherings, excluding performance halls. Projects must also comply with the Workplace Sanitary Standards Guide for the Performing Acts Sector, Performance Halls and Movie Theatres – COVID-19.
Important: please note that applications for this measure must:
- be for projects that take place between May 12 and October 31, 2021
- be for projects that have an established duration and timeline at the time the application is submitted
- include all relevant confirmations if the project involves partners or requires access authorizations
2. Call for projects: Recherche, creation et préproduction
To help maintain artistic productions of high quality when cultural activities return to normal, the CALQ is issuing a call for projects to creation and production organizations in the performing arts and multidisciplinary arts.
The ad hoc financial support will enable organizations to work intensively on their projects and carry out all the steps leading up to the presentation of a show, from research to rehearsals.
With this assistance, the CALQ aims to give organizations that are not receiving mission support the means to pursue their creative endeavours and advance their projects.
3. Enhancement of the grant program and temporary expansion of eligibility criteria
Funding for artists, writers and independent curators has also been increased. These amounts will make it possible to support more grant recipients.
On February, the CALQ announced a review of its grant program for artists to better contribute to the development of careers in the arts, particularly those of artist-entrepreneurs. Relaxed eligibility conditions, expansion of the types of activities supported and adjustment of the maximum amounts were among the changes made. CALQ grants, structured into nine sections, can therefore fund professional development, post-production, composition and writing activities.
New
Temporary eligibility of final-year students in post-secondary institutions offering specialized art programs who can submit an application without having participated in a professional production outside of their training.
Emerging humorists are also eligible for certain components (pilot project) : Research and Exploration, Creation and Professional Development.
4. Soutien à la diffusion de spectacles québécois (SOON)
The CALQ will make the application form for financial assistance under this measure available as soon as possible. At this time, we can advise applicants that, to allow for developments in the public health situation and changes in government health restrictions, the following rules will apply:
• Performances that could not be rescheduled during the prescribed times and had to be cancelled are eligible;
• In cases where it is uncertain whether it will be possible to present a performance, a grace period to make up for any cancellations will be granted. The grace period will be four weeks before the planned date of the performance and four weeks after the announcement of changes to health restrictions by public health authorities.
As a reminder, on March 18, 2021, the ministre de la Culture et des Communications, Nathalie Roy, announced an additional amount of $ 18 million to continue to support the measure Soutien pour la diffusion de spectacles québécois. More than 4,700 performances of Quebec shows have so far benefited from financial assistance thanks to this measure.
5. Digital exploration and deployment (CLOSED)
We would like to help provide more support for digital initiatives by making the Digital Exploration and Deployment program available at any time. Projects selected could receive funding of up to $100,000.
Projects submitted may make it possible, in part, to increase the amount of Québec content online and its dissemination, optimize the discoverability of this content, and accelerate the appropriation of digital technology by artistic organizations and artists.
The purpose of this change to the program is to encourage artists, writers and arts and literary organizations to use digital technology to its full potential and to ensure they receive fair compensation for their artistic performances.
*Please note that the submission of projects for the Digital exploration and deployment measure is no longer available.
Read More
- Plan de relance économique du milieu culturel (ministère de la Culture et des Communications)
- Maintaining services and processing requests during COVID-19
- Emergency Assistance
- Useful Links