The AFC has announce the Reactivation Program – direct financial assistance for independent, self-employed, and gig workers in the live performance sector who are experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Reactivation Program serves theatre, comedy, and circus performers, as well as technicians, production, and other live performance professionals who need financial support to maintain or regain work in the sector. The Government of Canada allocated nearly $17 million to The AFC for this purpose through the Canada Performing Arts Workers Resilience Fund (CPAWRF).

This program provides one-time assistance of up to $2,500 to help with items such as basic living expenses (such as rent or mortgage, utilities, food, medical needs, etc.); expenses that will help the individual get back to work (equipment, transportation, certifications, etc.); and/or costs incurred during the pandemic that are causing financial instability (such as moving costs, debt payments, outstanding dues, etc.)

Through the Reactivation Program, The AFC will distribute up to $17 million in financial relief on an ongoing basis between July 2022 and March 2023, throughout Canada outside of the province of Quebec.

AFC Executive Director David Hope, says, "The AFC has been providing emergency financial assistance to workers in the performing arts sector for more than 60 years. The recent pandemic has caused extreme hardship for so many professionals in the performing arts across Canada. Many are in financial distress and even starting to leave the sector. We have created the Reactivation Program to provide assistance quickly, accessibly, and compassionately to all performing arts professionals who qualify and are experiencing financial hardship. We are here and ready to help gig workers, self-employed, and independent workers – the most precarious of professionals in the sector – stabilize and reactivate their career in the performing arts."

The AFC gratefully acknowledges The Government of Canada for funding the Reactivation Program through the Department of Canadian Heritage, Canada Performing Arts Workers Resilience Fund (CPAWRF).

To apply, go to www.artsreactivation.ca/how-to-apply/. For more information, go to www.artsreactivation.ca.