Music brings people together — which is why COVID-19 restrictions on crowds, venues and travel have dealt the industry a significant blow.
In Saskatchewan, more than 150 individuals applied for help through the one-time SaskMusic COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund last month. “We knew we wanted to respond quickly and do what we could to support artists,” said Mike Dawson, the executive director of SaskMusic.
Dawson said his work now is focused on how the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit will help artists and the impact of upcoming festival cancellations.
On Friday, the federal government announced early plans to give $500 million to Canada’s arts, sports and cultural sectors as they weather the COVID-19 pandemic — but exactly who will