Victoria, BC– The CRD Arts & Culture Support Service has collected preliminary data on the impact of COVID-19 on funded organizations in the areas of staffing, programming and finances. The survey shows a significant change in the arts sector since March in comparison to 2019 progress report data.
Key survey findings from arts organizations receiving CRD Project and Operating funding:
- 82% anticipate financial losses in the year ending 2020
- 28% of organizations report that they will lay off staff
- 46% of organizations have had to cancel programming in the year ending 2021
- 78% of organizations have developed alternative formats to replace cancelled events
Arts organizations funded by the CRD typically provide 3,564 jobs and generate over $27.5 million in revenues annually of which the Arts Commission provides an investment of 8%. In 2019 CRD funding helped produce 3,357 arts events for the benefit of the community.
”The Arts Commission is seeing incredible efforts by the sector to sustain arts programming for citizens,” said Jeremy Loveday, Chair, CRD Arts Commission. “The investments we make in these organizations are helping connect residents and bring comfort during an uncertain time."
The CRD Arts & Culture Support Service is provided by Saanich, Victoria, Oak Bay, Esquimalt, View Royal, Highlands, Metchosin, Sooke and Southern Gulf Islands. For more information, visit www.crd.bc.ca/arts.
Proud to be recognized as one of BC’s Top Employers and Canada’s Greenest Employers, the CRD delivers regional, sub-regional and local services to 13 municipalities and three electoral areas on southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Governed by a 24-member Board of Directors, the CRD works collaboratively with First Nations and all levels of government to enable sustainable growth, foster community well-being, and develop cost-effective infrastructure while continuing to provide core services to residents throughout the region. Visit us online at www.crd.bc.ca.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Jeremy Loveday, Chair
CRD Arts Commission
Tel. 250.634.2327
jloveday@crd.bc.ca
James Lam, Manager
CRD Arts & Culture
Tel. 250.360.3205
jlam@crd.bc.ca