5 Ways to Connect to Arts & Culture During COVID-19

During this difficult time, culture connects us. Here are my top 5 ways to #stayhome and engage in arts and culture from the comfort of your couch.

1. Watch a live concert by Urgnt, an ad hoc crowd-funded livestream series of 19 concerts created by Toronto musicians in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Tonight at 7pm EST, catch Mexican-Canadian Singer-Songwriter Quique Escamilla.
2. While their hall is dark, The Metropolitan Opera in NYC is featuring free nightly opera streams. This week is dedicated to the epic masterpieces of Richard Wagner, operas that often depict destruction and strife, but also offer hope for redemption and rebirth—a message that resonates now more than ever.
3. The National Arts Centre has launched an incredible initiative called #CanadaPerforms which is a $200,000 short-term relief fund that pays Canadian artists for their online performances. This Friday, March 27 at 7pm catch Dene-Canadian singer Leela Gilday. Follow the National Arts Centre on socials to stay up to date on the concert series.
4. Join Modern folk trio The East Pointers & friends from Prince Edward Island as they read Anne of Green Gables. Every night at 7pm EST you can join them on Facebook Live and hear the next chapter of this Canadian Classic read aloud. This initiative is raising funds for the Unison Benevolent Fund which supports musicians in crisis.
5. The Social Distancing Festival is a platform built by Toronto playwright Nick Green which celebrates and showcases the work of the many artists around the world who have been affected by COVID-19. This an incredible resource which is being updated regularly.

All of these initiatives are working to support artists. If you're able to, help keep the light on for artists and cultural institution whose livelihood is at stake due to the effects of COVID-19, by donating through the links provided.