“The forced closure of theatres because of the pandemic has devastated the theatre industry,” said Gary Slaight, president and CEO of the foundation. “Even now, with audiences nervous to return since reopening, we are still seeing shows being rescheduled and cancelled, sometimes the same day. We’re very happy to support these organizations so they can focus on the work of creating and bringing back audiences.
Some of the beneficiaries include Toronto’s Luminato Festival and Soulpepper Theatre Company, the Shaw and Stratford festivals, the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, Native Earth Performing Arts, and Obsidian Theatre. Individual grants range from $125,000 to $1.5-million. “Live theatre is a crucial way we tell our stories to each other and provide opportunities for artists,” said Toronto Mayor John Tory of the announcement. “It takes time and investment to mount a theatrical production, and that is an even bigger challenge post-pandemic. These donations will play a big role in building a city which supports artists and the arts. Another stellar performance!”
The announcement comes just days after the Slaight Foundation gave $10-million to the Unison Fund, an organization providing counselling, emergency relief and benefit programs for struggling Canadian musicians. In February, aimed at organizations that work to improve the lives of women and girls. Since its establishment in 2008, it has given $185-million to a variety of health care and wellness initiatives, not including the latest arts funding.
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