News and updates on the COVID-19 pandemic are coming fast. As the Folk and other arts communities come together during this crisis, we hope that you’re keeping safe and informed.
Ontario has called a state of emergency, which has implications for each of our individual, organizational, and festival members. Without the ability to convene, many of us are without income. We have gathered some links and information that hopefully will be helpful during this difficult time.
Please note that although the FMO office is closed, we are working from home. Feel free to reach out to us for questions/help at office@folkmusicontario.ca. Phone calls will be more difficult to check during this time. We will be sending out more information via email, as wlel as through our facebook, instagram, and twitter accounts.
General
Info. on federal COVID-19 Emergency Response Package
General updates – Government of Canada
Crestview Strategies: COVID-10 Data Room
General information – World Health Organization
Information on mass gatherings – Government of Canada
Info. on Ontario state of Emergency and restrictions – Gov. of Ontario
Info. on Canada-U.S. border closure – CBC.ca
Airline cancellation policies – Collected by Forbes
Funding Programs
Info. On Ontario Arts Council Funding
Info. on Canadian Heritage Funding
Info. on Canada Council Funding
Info. on Factor
Info. on funding and event cancellation from Toronto Arts Council
Other Music Organizations
Live-streamed concerts from empty venues: URGNT TRNTO
Info from the Canadian Live Music Association
Bandzoogle blog – How musicians can ask fans for support during the coronavirus pandemic
CAPACOA is asking you to track cancellations affecting the Canadian live performance sector here.
I Lost My Gig Canada is a support group on Facebook for folks from various disciplines in the Gig Economy to gather, listen, and share.
Music Managers Forum Canada has an incredibly thorough resource page that is being constantly updated here.
Toronto Musicians Association has information and resources for financial assistance and bill payment relief here.
Unison Benevolent Fund has information about how they can help here, or you can call 1-855-986-4766 for inquiries to help you deal with the financial or emotional impact of coronavirus.
Worldwide Independent Network has a list of resources for the indie music community across the work here.
Stay safe out there, folk friends!
