Qaggiavuut, an organization that promotes the performing arts in Nunavut, has provided financial assistance to 17 artists and is inviting others to apply for emergency relief, if needed during the COVID-19 crisis.
photo courtesy of Qaggiavuut
Some performers are without income due to the cancellation of gigs and appointments.
“Our brave artists take great risks to dedicate their lives to create and perform and we owe it to them to help them out during this crisis,” said Qaggiavuut chairperson Vinnie
Karetak, an artist himself.
Mary Itorcheak, an actor, musician and single mother, lost income when her appearance in a British Broadcasting Corporation series was cancelled along with several performances in March and April.
Qaggiavuut’s emergency fund began doling out relief on March 18 and will continue until federal emergency funding is available to support gig and contract workers not eligible for EI, the organization stated.
“This funding helped me get through, I really appreciate it”, Itorcheak said in a news release on Wednesday.