Resources for Artists During COVID-19

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last updated April 29th, 2020 6:36 pm

Here is our list of places where you can find financial and mental health support during the COVID-19 crisis. This list is primarily comprised of resources available to Toronto-based and Canadian artists and arts workers. Many of the resource lists available right now are outdated due to the fast-changing nature of this crisis. We will do our best to keep the information on this list up-to-date. Email us if you have any questions!

Financial Resources

Mental Health/Community Support

More Lists of Resources

Read stories of the artists affected by the COVID-19 crisis in our Life and Art in Isolation series.


Here is the latest information about COVID-19 from official bodies:

City of Toronto

Public Health Ontario

Ontario Ministry of Health

Government of Canada

Financial Resources

Canada Emergency Response Benefit

The boundaries of the CERB are changing all the time. Learn more about whether you’re eligible here. You can apply over the phone, but we recommend setting up your direct deposit and applying through your CRA or Service Canada account.

Ontario Live presents Music Together

“A living room concert series to pay artists in need.” Music Together is a live-streamed concert through Facebook/Instagram. Apply to perform and receive funding or donate and support artists in need. They even provide a package with tips on how to monetize your work as an artist during this time. We think this is a lovely idea! Check them out to listen to the concerts or to apply. Learn more here.

CBC Creative Relief Fund

The submission period is now closed.

Toronto Rent Bank

For financial rent relief. Learn more here.

Micro Grants for Groceries

Bad New Days is providing artists with $75 one-time no questions asked grants to cover groceries. Find out how to apply or donate here.

Unison Benevolent Fund

Financil assistance for professional musicians/music makers. Learn more about it here.

Emergency Survival Fund for LGBTQ2S artists, performers, tip-based workers, and Glad Day

“A huge number of queer and trans people rely on revenue that can’t be traced back to an employer, so financial supports for businesses and employers will not help us.” As of April 10th, they had over 1700 requests for support. If you are able to contribute, consider donating to support workers in need. Read about the fund here.

The Photographer Fund

A $25,000 fund from Format to help self-employed photographers who are facing financial hardships. See if you are eligible to apply here.

The David Seguin Memorial Award

Micro grants to support artists with disabilities. Learn more.

The Hyr App

According to this CBC article, more and more employers are turning to the Hyr app to find short term workers. Please note that while some businesses are looking for more workers at this time, many are reducing staff numbers. We’d recommend checking it out, but don’t rely on work from here. Perhaps keep it on the radar for the future. Visit their website for more information.

Are you a student? Contact your college or university for information on their emergency assistance programs.

U of T Emergency Undergraduate Grant Application (2020 March - April)

Ryerson Student Emergency Fund

OCAD Emergency Bursary Program

For musicians to record lost income

Here is a Google sheets template you can download to keep track of lost income. Made for musicians (could perhaps be extended to other types of artists). Find it here.

Loss of Revenues Excel Template

Craft Alliance has created excel sheets to track loss of revenue for individual artists and small organizations. You can find the templates here.

Mental Health/Community Support

To Write Love on Her Arms

“To Write Love on Her Arms is a non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide.” Access their website here.

Big White Wall

Online mental health and wellbeing service, providing an anonymous community. “BWW harnesses the protective and therapeutic effects of connectedness and healthy social networks in its unique community where people share with, and support each other.” Access Big White Wall here.

I Lost My Gig

Facebook group for Canadian artists and freelance/gig workers who are vulnerable to the impacts of COVID-19. Join here.

Caremongering TO

“A Facebook group for sharing and organizing community resources in response to COVID-19.” Join here.

More Lists of Resources


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