Summary of Notes: French-Language  Live Performance Sector Roundtable

The purpose of the summary of notes is to document key takeaways from the French-language live performance sector roundtable held on September 8, 2020. The sector specific roundtable was comprised of approximately 15 representatives of major associations and groups with representation from across different disciplines, regions and intersectional identity communities. The goals of the roundtable are to:

• Ensure various stakeholders representating different sectors and industries are heard, having an opportunity to express their thoughts/ideas.
• Understand on-the-ground impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic for sectors and organizations.
• Have constructive discussions to help identify potential avenues that could help accelerate recovery.
• Build a common understanding of the kinds of support needed, and the role of government(s) therein.

At the start of the roundtable, the representatives shared their general experience on how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted their sectors and organizations. The introduction was then followed by three segments around the recovery framework:

1. Resilience and Sustainability;
2. Diversity and Inclusion; and
3. Environmental Sustainability.

Resilience and Sustainability

To stimulate the discussion in the first segment, the following question was asked: What would organizations need to move towards a more sustainable/adaptable business model to prevail through similar situations in the future? Some of the key ideas and takeaways included:

• Update of business and financial models, for example, by increasing funding received from the Government and decreasing dependence on revenues generated from independent sales like tickets.
• Increase the budget of key programs of arts support, notably the Canada Arts Presentation Fund.
• Opportunities to include arts in more societal spheres (e.g. hospitals, schools, etc.).
• Continual presenting of French-language content, such as music, in communities where French is a minority language and a factor of identity.
• Assistance to obtain more sponsors through, for example, sponsorship programs.
• Central body or entity responsible for preserving the French-language arts culture (e.g. training, presenting initiatives, etc.).
• Creation of a reference material handbook that would be shared among individuals and organizations within the sector (e.g. full list of partners/organizations within the sector with key information).
• Initiatives to encourage philanthropic efforts.
• Tax credit flexibility (e.g. allowable tax credits for secondary funds, tertiary funds, etc.).
• Long-term financing (e.g. 4 to 5 years).
• Governmental support during and post pandemic.
• Collaboration between provinces and territories to develop an adaptable pan-Canadian solution.
• Instant communication regarding the status (e.g. opening, closure) of the Canadian borders.

Diversity and Inclusion

To stimulate the discussion in the second segment, the following question was asked: What diversity and inclusion opportunities can be leveraged from the present circumstances for positive change? Some of the key ideas and takeaways included:

• Appointments of individuals from equity-seeking groups to senior positions on Boards of organizations to address diversity and inclusion challenges.
• Resource training regarding diversity and inclusion.
• Innovative ideas to reach out to equity-seeking groups to foster inclusion.
• Multicultural festivals and events that will connect various diverse communities and that will allow those communities to take the stage and contribute to diversity and inclusion.
• Inclusion initiatives that take into account the different realities and demographics in various regions of the country.
• Inclusion of equity-seeking groups in the recovery measures.
• Program focused on reaching out to equity-seeking groups.
• Strategic funding program to include equity-seeking groups.
• Discussion opportunities (e.g. roundtables) for representatives from various equity-seeking groups.
• Communication and sharing of solutions amongst all individuals and organizations for transparency and inclusion purposes.

Environmental Sustainability

To stimulate the discussion in the third segment, the following question was asked: What environmental sustainability opportunities can be leveraged from the present circumstances for positive change? Some of the key ideas and takeaways included:

• Limitation of international travel or working closely with aviation companies to encourage the use of green fuel.
• Initiatives to encourage travel on a local or national level.
• Governmental support during ecological transition.
• Providing tools and skillsets that will support organizations in their environmental endeavours.
• Study of the actual environmental impact on the sector to plan accordingly for the future (e.g. defining roles, measuring carbon footprint, etc.).
• Partnerships to assist organizations in reaching out to the public and raising awareness on the importance of environmental sustainability (e.g. events, concerts, etc.).
• Funding and investment in research and development related to environmental sustainability.
• Educational programs that will raise awareness and creative thinking to integrate and implement environmental measures and practices.
• Continual support from the Government of new and existing initiatives to promote environmental practices.