CBC/Radio-Canada and the Canada Council for the Arts have announced the creation of Digital Originals, a new time-limited funding initiative.
The aim of Digital Originals is to help artists, groups and arts organisations pivot their work to online audiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding will directly benefit creators of original digital content.
The Canada Council will provide a total of $1 million in funding to successful applicants to develop, create and share original or adapted works with Canadian audiences online. CBC/Radio-Canada will showcase and amplify the discoverability of select projects on one or more of its platforms.
Catherine Tait, President and CEO, CBC/Radio-Canada said; “Digital Originals will help to keep Canadian artists working, while connecting them to audiences from coast to coast to coast. In this time of social isolation, CBC/Radio-Canada is delighted to collaborate once again with the Canada Council and to kickstart creativity, bring creators’ work to new audiences, and ensure that our cultural sector thrives, now and in the future.”
Simon Brault, Director and CEO, Canada Council for the Arts added; “In the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, even as social linkages are unravelling because of forced confinement, local artists have understood and responded by sharing their works online in unprecedented numbers. The Canada Council for the Arts aims to further support digital creation, production and dissemination, now during this pandemic, when it is most needed, and into the aftermath, which we can expect to be long and difficult. We are grateful to CBC/Radio-Canada for continuing to partner with us in bringing the arts to life, online.”
The Digital Originals initiative will allow artists, creators and makers to apply for a maximum of $5000 in funding per project. The Canada Council will fund approximately 200 projects. CBC/Radio-Canada will curate and feature select projects in a digital showcase; these showcased projects will receive a $1000 grant supplement.
Artists can apply with a brand-new work or adapt their work for online sharing. For more information, please visit the Canada Council for the Arts website.