The territorial government is accepting funding proposals from professional artists whose livelihood has taken a hit during the pandemic.
The relief initiative, funded by the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment along with the Department of Education, Culture and Employment through the NWT Film Commission and NWT Arts, is offering up to $3,000 for eligible NWT artists and commercial film and media arts producers who have seen a drop in revenue due to Covid-19 restrictions.
According to a news release from the GNWT, qualified activities “may include, but are not limited to: the creation of artwork, song writing, book writing, play development, theatre/dance development, script writing, creating a promotional film reel, photography, business development, marketing and promotional activities, online training and certification.”
The government has earmarked $250,000 for the “economic-recovery initiative;” one-time funding relief for the 2020 to 2021 fiscal year.
Up to $5,000 is also available for registered NWT arts businesses, collectives and non-profit businesses – including, but again not limited to, “projects that promote and express NWT arts or culture through this time as a means of uniting and responding to crises.”
“As we work to stimulate recovery across all sectors, investments in the arts sector will position these home-based businesses and individual entrepreneurs to contribute to and benefit from the restoration of economic activities,” Katrina Nokleby, minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment stated in the news release.
“The physical distancing requirements of the Covid-19 pandemic have brought to light the necessity of the arts in our lives, from the books we read to the films we watch, the music we listen to, and the crafts we make. As we support one another through this pandemic, we must ensure NWT artists are able to continue this important, unifying work that supports our collective well-being,” added Minister of Education, Culture and Employment RJ Simpson.
Here’s how you can apply:
Applicants are asked to submit a one to three page summary of their project to nwtarts@gov.nt.ca. by May 29 at 5:00 p.m.
The application should the following:
- Contact information: name, phone number and email address.
- A description of the project’s purpose and who is involved.
- How the creation or final project with be shared with (optional).
- How will others benefit from the project?
- How funding will be spent?
- A timeline of the project - how will it adhere to Covid-19 health orders in the NWT?