Resources

We have put together this brief page to share links to online resources and arts organizations that might be of interest/use to you in the creative/arts sector in the weeks and months ahead. We know that this is a turbulent time for creators in Cape Breton, in Canada, and across the globe. We also recognize that it is the arts — the graphic designers, musicians, writers, film producers, and many other creative professionals — who are helping us all cope with our feelings of uncertainty and our prolonged social isolation as we attempt to flatten the curve. On behalf of us here, thank you for the books, movies, music, online classes, comics, and so much more, for the joy and hope that your work brings us all at this difficult time.

Canadian Government Resources

Canadian Emergency Response Benefit

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal government has launched its Canadian Emergency Response Benefit for individuals who may not be eligible for Employment Insurance programs but have experienced a sudden loss of employment or income due to the Coronavirus. For more info please visit:

Guide to provincial/federal funding programs

Jennifer Robson, Associate Professor of Political Management at Carleton University has created a guide to the different Covid-19 provincial and federal funding programs and directives. You can find the guide here:

Keeping Track of Lost Revenues

Many arts organizations are recommending that artists and artisans keep a record of their lost revenues due to COVID-19. Such a record may come in useful if additional relief/benefits programs are created for the arts sector. Craft Alliance Atlantic and their partners have put together a helpful spreadsheet tool for keeping track of lost revenues which can be found here:

Resources from Nova Scotia Arts Organizations

Visual Arts Nova Scotia

Visual Arts Nova Scotia is maintaining a Covid-19 resources page for artists living in Nova Scotia:

Music Nova Scotia

Music Nova Scotia is sharing Covid-19 resource information through their weekly E-Newsletter that you can sign up for here:

Arts Nova Scotia

Arts Nova Scotia is a Nova Scotian arms-length provincial funding body for professional artists and arts organizations (visual arts, music, theatre, and dance). In light of COVID-19 they have recently adjusted their grant programs. More information can be found:

Mental Health Resources

Many of us are experiencing heightened levels of stress and anxiety right now in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. For those working in the arts sector, there continues to be considerable financial uncertainty on top of health and safety concerns for themselves, their loved ones, and their communities.

Below you will find links to free resources that may help with mental wellness and means of coping at this time.

Work Responsibly

It is always good to incorporate self-care and stress management activities into your routine, both in your work life and personal life. Work Responsibly has many videos, articles, and recommended apps and books that can help you with items such as sleep, focus, anxiety, and confidence. You can find those resources on their website here:

Canadian Mental Health Association

The Nova Scotia Division of the Canadian Mental Health Association has created a page for individuals seeking non-clinical resources for mental health and stress management which can be found here:

Mindfulness and Coping with Anxiety

If you would like to learn more about mindfulness and coping with anxiety related to the COVID-19 please visit Anxiety Canada’s website:

Mindfulness Insitute

For more information on the benefits of and science behind mindfulness, you can visit:

Unison Benevolent Fund

Counselling and Health Management Solutions for musicians are available nationally through the Unison Benevolent Fund. More info can be found here: