COVID-19 has impacted the financial security of many creatives, through lost work opportunities, cancelled events, and the closure of so many art spaces. In hopes of providing some help to our beloved community, SAD has compiled a list of resources for B.C. artists during these unprecedented times.

If you come across any other resources that you feel should be added to this list, please share them with us by emailing hello@sadmag.ca or tagging us on social media @sadmagazine. 

Financial support for LGBTQ+ 

• Emergency Survival Fund for queer and trans artists, performers and tip based workers through Glad Day Lit.

Financial support for students:

• Students are eligible for support through the federal Canadian Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) for Students. Even if you are still working, you may be eligible. Get information and apply here.

• If you are a domestic student and a BC resident, the Government of BC has created a COVID-19 Emergency Student Response Fund to provide one-time funding to support current registered students. Apply directly through your university or college.

Financial support for everyone:

• Canadians who have lost work due to COVID-19 can apply for the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), which provides up to $2000/month. This benefit is open to freelancers and self-employed people. Details here.

• Residents of BC can also apply for a one-time payment of up to $1000 through the B.C. Emergency Benefit for Workers, starting on May 1. Details here.

• Renters can apply for up to $500 in rent relief through the BC Housing website. Details here.

• The 2019 income tax filing deadline has been pushed to June 1, 2020. Any new income tax balances due, or installments, are also being deferred until after August 31, 2020 without incurring interest or penalties.

• Payments on your provincial and federal student loans are currently frozen, until September 30, 2020. You do not need to apply, and no interest will accrue during this period. 

Artist resources

• I Lost My Gig is a Facebook group for freelancers, with tons of helpful information if you’re finding that it’s hard to get a response from Service Canada about CERB and other benefits.  

• CBC has compiled a list of funding and advocacy resources for individual artists and arts organizations

The BC Alliance for Arts + Culture also has a directory of COVID-19 resources for visual artists, writers, musicians, and other creatives.