While the current and proposed international trade tariffs announced by the Trump administration do not directly target the Canadian live performing arts community itself, the CAPACOA Board and Staff recognize the increased anxiety and potential impact the current geopolitical and economic climate creates for arts workers at home and abroad.
In recognition of the uncertainty widely felt by many, we wish to take a moment to remind all our members, partners, and colleagues that we have collectively built strong alliances, networks, and support systems across this country, preparing us to take calm, considerate action when facing the unknown. In the months ahead, we will continue to support and champion national and international advocacy efforts, and resource sharing initiatives, that help us all work together to support the arts sector, our national community, and the much larger international network of colleagues who remain eager to work with us!
As your national service organization for the performing arts sector, we wish to share the following information regarding what we know at this time about new or potential trade tariffs and related matters:
- Trade tariffs apply to goods, not on services. The trade tariffs are consequently not expected to impact labour mobility processes, such as O and P visa processing fees or international taxation. That being said, we acknowledge that tariff threats have a real impact on consumer confidence and purchasing decisions as well as the price of goods here in Canada.
- U.S. visa fees and processing times have long represented a major obstacle to touring in the U.S.. CAPACOA continues to work closely with Tamizdat and other U.S. allies to advocate for changes. Meanwhile, CAPACOA has also been working with Canadian authorities to set a positive example. Our visa guidelines, launched last fall, represent our latest contribution to reducing barriers to labour mobility.
- As a member of an advisory round table on international trade convened by Canadian Heritage to encourage and support our Canadian artists working internationally, CAPACOA will raise the question of how we navigate these new challenges to Canada-U.S. trade relations. CAPACOA was at the table when NAFTA was renegotiated; we will still be at the table when CUSMA is renegotiated.
- CAPACOA reached out to its U.S. counterpart, APAP, to organize advocacy efforts south of the border. A meeting is set for the middle of March.
- In light of recent executive orders to eliminate federally run or supported EDI programming in the U.S., it’s expected that within the coming four years, U.S. presenters will have limited resources to book international shows that prioritize these themes. CAPACOA and APAP will explore how currently booked and pending show tours might still be able to take place.
- CAPACOA supports the ongoing collective advocacy and data collection efforts of the Canadian Arts Coalition, including ensuring that Tariff Impact stories are gathered nationally. While the initial callout is now closed, responses are still being accepted. Another survey is anticipated in March, if/when trade tariffs are formally announced by the U.S. administration.
- Since 2018, CAPACOA has been a leader in the critical work of organizing international delegations and online events to provide opportunities for Canadian artists and companies to connect with international presenters. One of our recent initiatives was Snapshots Sessions 2.0, an online showcase of Canadian talent for domestic and international buyers that took place February 25, 26, and 27, 2025. The recordings of the sessions will be launched on the Snapshot Sessions 2.0 webpage this week. Now, the effort to network beyond the North American market is even more critical.
- Planning for the 2025 CAPACOA Conference is underway. The conference will be held in Ottawa on December 1-5, 2025. Please save the date! There will be no better place together as a national and international community of arts professionals.
- Future town halls will also be convened by CAPACOA shortly to help our community navigate next steps.
In this time of politically driven turbulence, we invite our national community to take solace in the fact that the performing arts industry is strong and resilient. Collectively, we will continue to work together to weather any of the future challenges that we may face. CAPACOA will continue to communicate new developments and shared paths forward as they arise.
Sincerely,
The Board and Staff of CAPACOA
