By Nina Horvath
As I take a moment away from writing grants today, it’s a valuable touchpoint to revisit memories like the one above. I can remember the warmth of the sun, the smiles of the crowd, the power of the performers and the shared joy and energy of everyone. It’s these moments that validate the many hours of hard work put in during the rest of the year; the joy of producing events is bringing audience members together to celebrate the power of live music.
This week is the National Action Week in support of the #FutureOfLive. This campaign is organized by national advocates to draw awareness to the significance of the performing arts in our lives and the prospective risks to important funding sources for these organizations. In particular, this calls for predictable and increased funding from the Canada Arts Presentation Fund (CAPF) and Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage (BCAH) programs.
Government funding is a huge part of what makes our organization stable, especially since the pandemic. Did you know that in 2022 just over 50% of our funding came from government sources and of that, 37% came from the Canada Arts Presentation Fund? That’s why it is so alarming to note that if no further action is taken, the federal government is at risk of reducing funding to this program which would result in organizations like Coastal Jazz receiving 23% less funding in 2024-2025 and beyond.
What can you do? Now is the time when we ask our community to lend their support and their voices.
- Share your love for the #FutureOfLive. Post a photo of you at your favourite show to social media and be sure to tag #FutureOfLive. You can also tag your local MP or share some of the graphics located here.
- Go to a show! Find a show in your city this week and show your support in person.
- Write to your local government representatives. The more voices and stories, the better. You can find helpful templates, facts and suggestions here.
- Donate. Government support is one part of what we do and if its future is in jeopardy, we will need even more support from you and our community. Consider donating to Coastal Jazz* today to show your love of the #FutureOfLive.
We want to keep making beautiful music and unique experiences for our community and we plan to keep doing so for a long time. We’ll see you at the next show.
*All new donations received by October 2 will be entered to win tickets to see Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis!
