June 21st, 2021

NDP MPP calls for clear guidelines for live arts for Step 2

TORONTO — Ontario NDP Culture critic Jill Andrew (Toronto—St. Paul's) is asking the Ford government to give live arts organizations clear guidelines for Step 2 of the province's reopening plan, so that organizations can plan accordingly.

Andrew has spent months consulting with grassroots arts and culture organizations, small business owners, and individual artists. She stressed that the live arts sector deserves to know the precise limits on outdoor audience capacity, and other restrictions, in advance of Step 2 of Ontario's Roadmap to Reopening, so they can plan and budget for the next stage of reopening accordingly.

With regard to the performing arts sector, the government's current guidelines for Step 2 say "Outdoor open, including live music, with spectator capacity and other restrictions," but details or clarification beyond that are missing.

"Arts and culture organizations across Ontario have been hit extremely hard during this pandemic, with many struggling due to heavy revenue losses, making it incredibly difficult to pay the bills and retain staff," Andrew said.

"Live arts organizations including theatres, and outdoor music and cinemas, are among the hardest hit. They have done their part to follow public health restrictions, suspend live performances to protect peoples' health, and ensure staff and performers stay safe.

"The Ford government has given these businesses very little financial support to weather this difficult time. Many live performers have been either excluded from or struggled to navigate the Ontario Small Business Support Grant Program, which has been riddled with issues and callous exclusions.

"Cultural workers, outdoor gallery and museum exhibits and artists need clear guidelines as to what will be allowed for their organizations in order to guide their planning cycles and advanced ticket sales. They will need this to survive as the province continues its recovery.”

The Ontario NDP has been urging the Ford government to provide small and medium-sized businesses with a third round of support grants and to revamp the program to fix its many glitches and stop leaving local businesses out.