Canadian artists have already detailed how hard they will be hit as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, and figures from across Ontario's music industry have now teamed with Ontario's provincial government to create an emergency relief fund.
With support from the Ontario Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture, members of Canada's music community have founded MusicTogether, a relief fund and web platform that will facilitate live concert streams by at least 300 Ontario-based artists.
Per a press release, artists can apply to perform through the website, while audiences can also find a schedule of upcoming livestreamed performances from Ontario musicians at the site. Musicians can use the platform to sell merchandise and take fan donations as well.
Each artist will receive a one-time performance fee of $1,000 and receive $100 in Facebook Ad credits.
The initial fund has been committed thanks to $150,000 from music community funders, with $150,000 in matching funds coming from the ministry as a component of their Ontario Live initiative. A full list of founders and financial supporters can be found on MusicTogether's website.
"Ontario remains open for artists, and open for musicians, and open for online business during these unprecedented times," said Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries. "We're proud to match MusicTogether with a $150,000 investment to grow the new Ontario Live virtual marketplace to provide our creative industries a platform to engage audiences remotely to help stop the spread of COVID-19."
Last year, Ontario's Progressive Conservative government slashed funding for the Ontario Music Fund by half.
With support from the Ontario Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture, members of Canada's music community have founded MusicTogether, a relief fund and web platform that will facilitate live concert streams by at least 300 Ontario-based artists.
Per a press release, artists can apply to perform through the website, while audiences can also find a schedule of upcoming livestreamed performances from Ontario musicians at the site. Musicians can use the platform to sell merchandise and take fan donations as well.
Each artist will receive a one-time performance fee of $1,000 and receive $100 in Facebook Ad credits.
The initial fund has been committed thanks to $150,000 from music community funders, with $150,000 in matching funds coming from the ministry as a component of their Ontario Live initiative. A full list of founders and financial supporters can be found on MusicTogether's website.
"Ontario remains open for artists, and open for musicians, and open for online business during these unprecedented times," said Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries. "We're proud to match MusicTogether with a $150,000 investment to grow the new Ontario Live virtual marketplace to provide our creative industries a platform to engage audiences remotely to help stop the spread of COVID-19."
Last year, Ontario's Progressive Conservative government slashed funding for the Ontario Music Fund by half.
