The Canada Performing Arts Workers Resilience Fund (CPAWRF) is an emergency support program offered by the Government of Canada. Throughout 2022-2023, it will offer assistance to independent and self-employed live performance workers who are experiencing financial hardship because of the pandemic.
Interested in applying? You may be eligible for a one-time payment of $2500 through one of the following organizations:
Unison Fund (Music – outside Quebec)
Following the success of the Unison Financial Assistance Program, the Live Music Workers Fund will offer over $16 million to cover basic living expenses. If you are an independent or self-employed live music worker, then you could be eligible.
Visit the unisonfund.ca to learn more and apply.
The AFC (Theatre and technical – outside Quebec)
Are you a theatre, comedy, or circus artist? A technician? A production manager? Or a similar live performance professional? If so, you could receive assistance from the AFC Reactivation Program. This program will provide up to $17 million total to cover certain living and business expenses for thousands of independent/gig workers.
Check your eligibility and learn more at artsreactivation.ca.
Update: Applications are temporarily closed as of August 15. Please check AFC’s website in early September for more updates.
Canadian Dance Assembly (Dance – outside Quebec)
The CDA Resilience Fund has received $3.88 million to help support 1500 independent and self-employed dance performers. If you are a choreographer, rehearsal director, lighting designer, stage manager or similar professional, you are encouraged to apply to the AFC instead.
Find out more information at cda-acd.ca.
La Fondation des artistes (All sectors – Quebec)
Is your fiscal residence in Quebec? If so, you may be eligible for La Fondation des artistes’s CPAWRF. This organization welcomes applications from self-employed artists and cultural workers across the performing arts sector.
For more information, visit fondationdesartistes.ca.
The Canada Performing Arts Workers Resilience Fund is funded by the Department of Canadian Heritage.
