Alberta commits $17M in relief for performing arts, sports and rodeo groups

Alberta’s performing arts, sports and rodeo sectors got a boost Thursday with the announcement of a $17-million investment to ensure their stability in the face of the pandemic.

The provincial government announced the funding in a Thursday release, highlighting that these organizations have lost a full season of programming and revenue, yet still face ongoing overhead costs.

“The Stabilize Program will provide one-time grant funding to support live experience presenting and performance arts, sport and rodeo organizations,” reads the release. “The funding will help these organizations continue to operate and reopen when it is safe to do so.”

The release adds that “nonprofits that host rodeos, professional and elite amateur sports organizations, and nonprofits that own or operate dedicated presenting and performing arts venues,” may apply for operational funding through the program to help offset financial losses. Organizations that qualify will then be eligible for a one-time grant up to 25 per cent of eligible expenses, based on 2018 and 2019 financials. These funds can be used for operational costs including utilities, rent, insurance and programming to support reopening. Applications will be accepted until midnight Feb. 18.

The Stabilize Program allocates $12 million, while the Stabilize Donation Matching stream will allocate another $5 million to match private donations to eligible non-profits that host rodeos and professional or elite amateur sports, with eligible donations ranging from a minimum $250,000 to a maximum $1 million. Nonprofit organizations with dedicated presenting and performing arts venues, or live experience venues, are also eligible.

According to the release, Alberta’s live experience sector contributed $622.7 million to GDP and supported 14,508 jobs in the province. The sector also grew by 17 per cent between 2014 and 2018.

For more information, including how to apply, visit https://www.alberta.ca/stabilize-program.aspx.