Petition for the government to support Canadian music venues reaches 15,000 signatures
- Craig Clark
- 22 Jun 2020
The Canadian Independent Venue Coalition started a website that shows how people can take action to support their local music venues amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since the beginning of the lockdown, Canadian music venues have been some of the most impacted due to the closure.
According to the Canadian Independent Venue Coalition, about 90% of Canadian independent music companies are predicted to close in the next six months without financial assistance.
The website was created to provide information about how people can support local music venues by writing to federal, provincial, and municipal politicians in order to increase funding support for small venues.
Decisions are being made NOW! Email your MP and MLA, write the Federal Government, sign the petition. The Independent sector of the music industry NEEDS to be included!
Write – https://t.co/X8Jo1jCwns
Sign – https://t.co/2s3BLF8H1R#SupportCanadianVenues #SoutenezNosScènes pic.twitter.com/fS2npm4MCQ
— CIVC / CCSI (@CDNVenues) June 20, 2020
They also started a petition that calls for funding support from the Ministry of Heritage. According to information on the petition, the Emergency Support Fund for Cultural, Heritage and Sports does not include for-profit businesses in the Arts and Culture sector.
The Canadian Independent Venue Coalition also states that closures to local music venues could cause a ripple effect on neighbouring economic sectors including Accommodation and Food Service, Agriculture, Real Estate, Rentals and Leasing.
Some Canadian musicians have spoken out in support of small independent venues. In a statement, Brendan Canning from rock band Broken Social Scene said “The Ministry of Heritage needs to see this music industry as an important aspect of Canadian culture, and we’re just looking for some guidance, and most importantly some support.”
Hamilton has already lost one iconic music venue this year and others hang in the balance until concerts can take place again.
This Ain’t Hollywood announced that it was closing later this summer after the building was sold.
Mills Hardware remains closed while they wait for the green light for live music from the provincial government. The next event is scheduled for the end of September with no guarantees it will happen.
The Casbah has been offering take-out meals during the closure in partnership with Sensational Samosa, but remains closed for live music until concerts can take place. A statement on their website says that any take-out orders goes directly to supporting the music venue.
To learn more about how you can support local venues visit the Support Canadian Venues website.
Lead image courtesy of @casbahgram
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