Province provides funding for online cultural projects

As members of the creative sector rely increasingly on new technologies to maintain audiences and reach new followers and clients during the global pandemic, the Province is backing 56 projects involving digital tools and coping with COVID-19, to the tune of $913,526.

Among the groups receiving assistance is Windsor-based Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia, known around the world for its creative and enlightening productions for young audiences. Its new digital project Mermaidtv will receive $30,000 to develop an online showcase for professional puppetry productions as well as puppet construction and performance workshops that will engage children, parents and teachers.

The funding will go towards the purchase of equipment and software as well as the employment of artists and technical staff.

“This investment is helping build the digital infrastructure to allow Mermaid to continue as a leader for family entertainment during the pandemic and inspire others to try their hands at the craft,” said Mermaid Theatre’s executive director Danny Everson.

“It will allow us to increase employment opportunities for artists and connect with our global audiences online. Our innovative puppetry, original music and gentle storytelling have been seen in person by over six million spectators in 15 countries — and now we will be able to reach them digitally.”

Other organizations receiving assistance in boosting their online presence include the Cape Breton Music Industry Cooperative, with $5,000 for a livestream music project; the Lunenburg Doc Festival Association, receiving $8,000 towards its virtual documentary event; and Sydney-based Phee’s Original Goods, which is getting a $2,700 grant to develop its e-commerce site for leather crafts.

“We’re helping creative organizations find digital solutions in their efforts to adapt to COVID-19,” said Suzanne Lohnes-croft, Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage, in the announcement of the grants.

“The impact of the pandemic on the creative sector has been enormous, and this funding is designed to help them continue to produce work, make a living and adapt to a world where much of the cultural sector has moved, at least temporarily, online.”

The province estimates the value of its culture sector at $929 million, providing more than 13,000 jobs in fields from film/tv, music and performing arts to visual art, fashion/design, fine craft and writing and publishing. The Creative Industries Fund was created largely to support the sector’s export activity, but due to COVID-19 it is focusing on digital alternatives.