This year, we all had one thing in common: when things got tough, we relied on music to keep us going.
But for the many thousands of Canadian music-workers whose careers exist on a freelance, contract, or gig-by-gig basis, the start of the pandemic signalled the start of one of the most traumatic years on record as they faced not only months of empty calendars and decimated incomes, but also complete uncertainty about what the future will hold.
A new report, entitled ''The Impact of COVID-19 on Canadian Independent Music'', commissioned by the Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA) details just how deeply the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the Canadian independent music sector. Among the most shocking discoveries: the evaporation of the live music scene has led to a decline in revenue of $233 million in just six months. The live sector has taken the biggest hit during the pandemic, seeing a 79% drop in income from 2019. In a best-case scenario, it is expected that industry revenue will not recover to pre-COVID levels until 2023-2024.
Your year-end gift today can help change this.
Our work is just beginning; there is still a tremendous need for financial assistance on an unprecedented scale that isn''t going to slow down or go away any time soon. COVID-19 has devastated our music community, leaving thousands of music creators and professionals struggling to make ends meet due to the impact of the pandemic, which many will face for years to come.
So, to help overcome these challenges – and make sure you receive your 2020 tax receipt – we urge you to please join us in helping keep the music community alive and thriving this season. Any donations received will go straight to the front line, helping Unison reach more music and entertainment workers facing real financial and emotional hardships over the coming months.
Thank you for your support,