|
BEFORE THE PANDEMIC
Prior to the pandemic, the city of Guelph was known for its vibrant music culture. From its numerous festivals (Hillside, Kazoo!fest, the Jazz Festival, and EloraFest) to the indie, classical, and experimental art community, Guelph has deep roots in music making. In 2016, a campaign was launched to rename Guelph as the “Music City” and subsequent reports captured the lively arts culture of this area. |
COVID-19
25 January 2020, Ontario records its first presumptive case of the Coronavirus. 11 March 2020, Ontario records its first death from the Coronavirus. That same day, the World Health Organisation declares COVID-19 a Global Pandemic 12 March 2020, publicly-funded schools in Ontario close. 17 March 2020, a state of emergency is declared in the province. 18 March 2020, the Canadian-American border closes. |
COVID TIMELINE - THE ARTS
MARCH
On 13 March, the first wave of cancellations from Toronto arts organisations are announced. Around the world, artists begin to react directly to the crisis. Musicians such as Chris Martin and John Legend begin to promote free virtual concerts.
On 19 March, the “Together at Home” concert is announced.
March, The music community as a whole faces a mounting problem as tours and travel begin to evaporate. Some artists begin to offer mini, online concerts for small sums. Tour cancellations have an even greater negative impact on employment.
March 2020, Museums begin offering virtual tours
March 2020, Theatre groups from New York to Los Angeles begin streaming archived performances
March 2020, The Canadian Broadcasting Company establishes its Creative Relief Fund, offering 2 million dollars for development and production of Canadian works.
March 2020, Canada establishes the Unison Fund, offering financial assistance for musicians.
March 2020, Sats Canada announces that employment in the information, culture, and recreation sector decreases by 104,000 jobs or 13.3%
By the end of March 2020, employment in the category of arts, culture, recreation, and sport in Canada contracts by 15.4%
MARCH
On 13 March, the first wave of cancellations from Toronto arts organisations are announced. Around the world, artists begin to react directly to the crisis. Musicians such as Chris Martin and John Legend begin to promote free virtual concerts.
On 19 March, the “Together at Home” concert is announced.
March, The music community as a whole faces a mounting problem as tours and travel begin to evaporate. Some artists begin to offer mini, online concerts for small sums. Tour cancellations have an even greater negative impact on employment.
March 2020, Museums begin offering virtual tours
March 2020, Theatre groups from New York to Los Angeles begin streaming archived performances
March 2020, The Canadian Broadcasting Company establishes its Creative Relief Fund, offering 2 million dollars for development and production of Canadian works.
March 2020, Canada establishes the Unison Fund, offering financial assistance for musicians.
March 2020, Sats Canada announces that employment in the information, culture, and recreation sector decreases by 104,000 jobs or 13.3%
By the end of March 2020, employment in the category of arts, culture, recreation, and sport in Canada contracts by 15.4%
APRIL
April 2020, the Canada Council for the Arts circulates a survey to artists, groups, and organisations to collect data about the pandemic’s impact.
April 2020, the Canada Council for the Arts establishes an emergency COVID-19 response plan. This proposal provides emergency support to organizations and digital strategies to fund short- term activities. Grant procedures are altered in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
April 2020, Canada launches resources for freelance artists who have suffered financially due to COVID-19. The Neighbourhood Arts Network collates possible grants, funding resources, and support groups for artists. The list continues to be updated and to be of use to artists as the pandemic continues.
April 2020, The National Arts Centre (NAC) cancels and postpones all performances until 31 August. The NAC closes its spaces to the public.
April 2020, the National Ballet of Canada cancels all remaining performances for the 2019-2020 season. Many patrons choose to donate tickets instead of requesting refunds. A statement released by the National Ballet states “Our dancers may not be able to rehearse or perform during this time but each week they are coming to you LIVE from their homes, teaching ballet and workout classes, hosting Q&A’s, bake-alongs, improvising choreography in their gardens and more!”
April 2020, the National Ballet begins offering “Gratitude Classes” created by members to assist frontline workers in moving their bodies and aiding parts of the body that might be overworked during this time. Though created for frontline workers, these are available on YouTube for anyone to watch. The National Ballet also releases a series of videos for children.
29 April 2020, The CBC publishes bleak news about the summer music festival circuit in Ontario. The Stratford Festival pauses their season opening. Stratford places its entire season on hold. The Shaw Festival postpones its season opening until 30 June. It has since been postponed until 15 September. The province commits to funding summer festivals whether they run or not through its Celebrate Ontario program. Many sponsors drop out. The larger economic impact on communities is projected to be massive.
April 2020, the Canada Council for the Arts circulates a survey to artists, groups, and organisations to collect data about the pandemic’s impact.
April 2020, the Canada Council for the Arts establishes an emergency COVID-19 response plan. This proposal provides emergency support to organizations and digital strategies to fund short- term activities. Grant procedures are altered in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
April 2020, Canada launches resources for freelance artists who have suffered financially due to COVID-19. The Neighbourhood Arts Network collates possible grants, funding resources, and support groups for artists. The list continues to be updated and to be of use to artists as the pandemic continues.
April 2020, The National Arts Centre (NAC) cancels and postpones all performances until 31 August. The NAC closes its spaces to the public.
April 2020, the National Ballet of Canada cancels all remaining performances for the 2019-2020 season. Many patrons choose to donate tickets instead of requesting refunds. A statement released by the National Ballet states “Our dancers may not be able to rehearse or perform during this time but each week they are coming to you LIVE from their homes, teaching ballet and workout classes, hosting Q&A’s, bake-alongs, improvising choreography in their gardens and more!”
April 2020, the National Ballet begins offering “Gratitude Classes” created by members to assist frontline workers in moving their bodies and aiding parts of the body that might be overworked during this time. Though created for frontline workers, these are available on YouTube for anyone to watch. The National Ballet also releases a series of videos for children.
29 April 2020, The CBC publishes bleak news about the summer music festival circuit in Ontario. The Stratford Festival pauses their season opening. Stratford places its entire season on hold. The Shaw Festival postpones its season opening until 30 June. It has since been postponed until 15 September. The province commits to funding summer festivals whether they run or not through its Celebrate Ontario program. Many sponsors drop out. The larger economic impact on communities is projected to be massive.
MAY
2 May 2020, Tyson Parker of Bell Media discusses the impacts of COVID-19 on the arts industry while also celebrating the creative solutions artists are finding to create new business models, connect with fan bases, and continue to perform.
8 May 2020, the Canadian federal government announces $500 million for support of the arts sector. These funds are especially targeted for the Canada Music Fund, the Canada Book Fund, the Canada Periodical Fund, the Canada Council for the Arts, and the emergency component of the Museum Assistance Program.
By the end of May, Statistics Canada reported 80.3% of businesses in the arts, entertainment, and recreation sector and 78.1% of businesses in the accommodation and food services sector experienced drops in revenue of 30% or more. Over 80% of businesses forced to lay off workers in the arts sectors reported cutting 50% or more of their overall workforce. 26.8% of arts, entertainment, and recreation sector businesses reported they faced less than six months solvency before they would have to consider additional staff reductions, closure, or declaring bankruptcy.
June 2020, The Guelph Symphony Orchestra’s performances are put on pause until further notice.
2 May 2020, Tyson Parker of Bell Media discusses the impacts of COVID-19 on the arts industry while also celebrating the creative solutions artists are finding to create new business models, connect with fan bases, and continue to perform.
8 May 2020, the Canadian federal government announces $500 million for support of the arts sector. These funds are especially targeted for the Canada Music Fund, the Canada Book Fund, the Canada Periodical Fund, the Canada Council for the Arts, and the emergency component of the Museum Assistance Program.
By the end of May, Statistics Canada reported 80.3% of businesses in the arts, entertainment, and recreation sector and 78.1% of businesses in the accommodation and food services sector experienced drops in revenue of 30% or more. Over 80% of businesses forced to lay off workers in the arts sectors reported cutting 50% or more of their overall workforce. 26.8% of arts, entertainment, and recreation sector businesses reported they faced less than six months solvency before they would have to consider additional staff reductions, closure, or declaring bankruptcy.
June 2020, The Guelph Symphony Orchestra’s performances are put on pause until further notice.
JULY
15 July 2020, The Toronto Symphony Orchestra cancels its 2020/21 season. It renews its commitment to post virtual concerts and be a part of smaller performances.
24 July 2020, Portions of Ontario enter Phase 2, Stage 3 reopening. This allows gatherings of up to 50 people indoors (and a maximum of 100 outdoors). These indoor venues will still have to abide by social distancing measures. There is some question about what this means for future performances to a limited audience.
15 July 2020, The Toronto Symphony Orchestra cancels its 2020/21 season. It renews its commitment to post virtual concerts and be a part of smaller performances.
24 July 2020, Portions of Ontario enter Phase 2, Stage 3 reopening. This allows gatherings of up to 50 people indoors (and a maximum of 100 outdoors). These indoor venues will still have to abide by social distancing measures. There is some question about what this means for future performances to a limited audience.
AUGUST
10 August 2020 - All Ontario regions enter Phase 2, Stage 3 of reopening. The province sees one straight week of reporting 100 new cases or less daily. Toronto releases specific guidelines about what reopening will look like in the city.
10 August 2020 - All Ontario regions enter Phase 2, Stage 3 of reopening. The province sees one straight week of reporting 100 new cases or less daily. Toronto releases specific guidelines about what reopening will look like in the city.
SUMMER FESTIVALS AND AWARDS SHOWS
Summer 2020:
Bluesfest and the National Arts Centre create the #CanadaPerforms at the RBC Bluesfest Drive-In Festival, a summer weekend series of live concerts that people can access by drive-in. The event is held at Place des Festivals – Zibi in Gatineau, QC. Bluesfest still holds its “She’s the One” contest virtually.
The Toronto International Film Festival announces an alternate performance format, including some physical screenings, some drive-in screenings, virtual red carpets, press conferences, and industry talks. TIFF typically generates $200 million in annual income for Toronto and the province of Ontario. The effect of COVID-19 on this number remains to be seen.
The Canadian Screen Awards, The Dora Mavor Moore Awards, and the Juno Awards are all held virtually.
Guelph’s Hillside Festival adapts to the Covid-19 restrictions by announcing Hillside Homeside which took place from July 24 - 26. Postponed until July 2020, Hillside Homeside offered an altered experience for attendees and community members. Initiating a “Now and Then” project, they took footage from past Hillside performances and mixed it with additional footage and interviews. Hillside also launched their “37 Songs for a New World” project commissioning 37 artists to sing a song about their hopes for the world.
The Osheaga Festival suspended its offerings in April but reopened some content in June. It has been able to provide some livestream and drive-in experiences
The following Guelph and surrounding-area festivals were either cancelled or postponed due to COVID-19:
The Boots and Hearts Festival
Elora Riverfest
The Guelph Jazz Festival
Kazoo! Fest * 2020 was supposed to be the final year of this festival, but event organisers decided an online platform wasn't the proper way to say goodbye
The Veld Music Festival
The Wayhome Festival
