The creative sector is turning to technology to reach audiences and find new customers during the global pandemic. To support this effort, government is investing $913,526 in 56 projects for digital tools and approaches to manage the impacts of COVID-19.
Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia, an award-winning, international touring company based in Windsor, is receiving $30,000 to support MermaidTV – a new digital project designed to showcase professional puppetry productions and engage children, parents, and educators through online puppetry construction workshops. The funding will help purchase equipment and software and employ artists and technical staff.
“We’re helping creative organizations find digital solutions in their efforts to adapt to COVID-19,” said Suzanne Lohnes-Croft, Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage. “The impact of the pandemic on the creative sector has been enormous, and this funding is designed to help them continue to produce work, make a living and adapt to a world where much of the cultural sector has moved, at least temporarily, online.”
Among the other projects are:
- Cape Breton Music Industry Cooperative, livestream music project, $5,000
- Lunenburg Doc Festival Association, virtual doc fest, $8,000
- Phee’s Original Goods leather craft maker, e-commerce, $2,700
Each year, the Creative Industries Fund helps expand the reach of Nova Scotia’s culture sector. Applications are ongoing. The fund generally supports export activity but due to COVID-19, this year’s offering focused on digital alternatives. A complete list of the 56 projects is available here: https://novascotia.ca/programs/creative-industries-fund/
Quotes:
This investment is helping build the digital infrastructure to allow Mermaid to continue as a leader for family entertainment during the pandemic and inspire others to try their hands at the craft. It will allow us to increase employment opportunities for artists and connect with our global audiences online. Our innovative puppetry, original music and gentle storytelling have been seen in person by over six million spectators in 15 countries – and now we will be able to reach them digitally.
Danny Everson, Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia
Quick Facts:
- Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia, based in Windsor, presents over 400 performances to more than 200,000 people in an average year
- organizations eligible for the Creative Industries Fund - Digital Project Grant include: fashion/design, film and TV, music, performing arts, production and fine craft, visual and applied art, and book publishing
- in Nova Scotia, the culture sector is valued at $929 million and provides more than 13,000 jobs
Additional Resources:
A key theme in Nova Scotia’s Culture Action Plan is driving awareness and economic growth in the creative sector: https://novascotia.ca/culture/
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