The Canadian Artist + Musician
Relief Fund to the rescue
A welcomed support for artists and musicians whose livelihood is affected by COVID-19
NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHER: Westmounters are great consumers of the arts. Whether we attend shows or exhibitions, we appreciate the marvellous creations of the many talented people behind them. Let’s dig deep into our pockets and be generous towards these exceptional people who make life more beautiful.
Art is the soul of communities. Artists feed that soul and should be supported by everyone. As we (rightly) practice social distancing during this pandemic we need to remember that there are victims other than patients.
– Donor Laura Brown
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been countless exhibition closures, gig and event cancellations, all translating into lost income for artists, musicians, and cultural producers, many of whom were struggling long before the pandemic. The Canadian Artist + Musician Relief Fund (CAMRF) seeks to provide support for low-income artists and musicians whose livelihoods are being affected by this global emergency.
Whether it’s from cancelled gigs, lost jobs, or a lack of business due to the coronavirus, the intention of this fund is to collectively raise money to provide emergency and preventative resources to those at financial risk.
At this time the fund will go to support artists and musicians in the Greater Montréal and Greater Toronto regions. It is hoped that as the fund grows it will be expanded to the entire country.
The CAMRF hopes to reach its first milestone goal of $11,600 ($200 per artist applicant) as soon as possible. The fund has currently received 58 applications for aid but has not enough donors to match. The goal is to help as many people as possible and a new website with more resources will be launched in the coming weeks.
For more information visit artistrelieffund.org
To make a donation go to gf.me/u/xqyshk
FAQs
What is the Canadian Artist + Musician Relief Fund (CAMRF)?
CAMRF is a fundraiser aimed at supporting artists and musicians during the COVID-19 pandemic. Its goal is not to be a substitute for a paycheck but to provide some financial support for creative people who need it most.
Who is eligible for support?
The priority is low-income artists and musicians based in the Toronto and Montreal areas. Anyone who creates or sells art or music as a part or whole of their income is eligible. With the growth of this fundraiser, the hope is to expand that reach to more cities across Canada.
How are funds amassed? And how can I help?
CAMRF is funded by the generous donations of people who believe that art and music are as important in hard times as they are in easy ones. You can help by donating to the gofundme campaign or by sharing the campaign with your social media platforms.
Feature image: virus graphics by Roman Bratschi
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