Non-profit organizations that host sports or performing arts events could be in line for financial help from the province.
The Alberta government announced on Thursday it was investing $17 million to provide financial stability to performing arts, sports and rodeo organizations.
Culture, Multiculturalism and Status of Women Minister Leela Sharon Aheer said that the Stabilize Program will offer one-time grant funding to help them reopen by covering a portion of operating costs, such as utilities, rent, insurance and programs.
“This funding is critical to supporting venues and events that build and sustain vibrant communities and our cultural heritage and our mental well-being,” Sharon Aheer said in a statement.
“Reinvigorating our live experience sector will also bring back jobs and foster tourism to support our economic recovery. When arts, culture, sport and heritage thrive, Alberta thrives.”
Eligible organizations can tap into a grant that will cover 25 per cent of eligible expenses based on their 2018 and 2019 financial statements.
A Stabilize Donation Matching stream will allocate $5 million to match private donations of $250,000 or more up to $1 million to organizations that host rodeos and professional and elite amateur sports or operate presenting and performing arts or live experience venues.
Alberta’s live experience sector contributed $662.7 million to the province’s gross domestic product and supported nearly 15,000 jobs in 2018. The live experience sector grew by 17 per cent between 2014 and 2018 and larger events can generate up to $10 million in economic spinoffs for communities.
“We are thrilled to see Alberta’s government continuing to support non-profits in Alberta that have been devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Andrew Mosker, National Music Centre president and CEO. “This program will allow organizations like the EE Football Team to continue supporting our city and our province by providing both high-quality entertainment and community programming.”
“Live events and the performing arts are not only key to quality of life in a community, they are also an important part of the economic engine,” said Chris Presson, president and CEO of Edmonton Football Team. “They employ thousands of Albertans in a variety of capacities, and they are part of attracting and retaining talent and driving tourism.”