October 31, 2014 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CANVAS FOUNDATION RECEIVES BOOST FROM ARTS SECTOR PARTNER Over the past year the new Board of Directors for Canvas, a foundation dedicated to providing supports for visual artists facing financial difficulty, have completed a strategic plan and undergone a rebranding. As a first action the group launched an Indiegogo campaign to raise $10,000 for its Artist Relief Fund. The Artist Relief Fund can be accessed by Ontario-based artists when they are faced with financial difficulty. With the average Canadian artist earning less than $20,000 per year, issues can arise quickly. Without access to timely and compassionate support an artists health, place of residence and livelihood can be put at risk. Canvas is there to provide modest financial support, guidance and to act as a liaison to other supports. The Indiegogo campaign launched on September 18th has already generated $2000 in support from fellow artists, arts administrators and supportive community members. The campaigns video features artists, collectors, and other professionals voicing their support for canvas and the desire to eradicate the phrase starving artist. In a significant display of solidarity the ACTRA Fraternal Benefit Society (AFBS) CEO Bob Underwood recently announced they would match, dollar for dollar, all donations up to $5000 to assist in building the fund. AFBS has been serving its members in the cultural sector with health and retirement benefits for over 40 years, and understands the needs of its community. The Board of Directors for Canvas would like to graciously acknowledge the support of AFBS, and would encourage all members of the arts community and beyond to help maximize this opportunity to build a base for the Artist Relief Fund. Contributions can be made online through Indiegogo at: https://indiegogo/projects/canvas-foundation-ontario-artist-relief-fund -30- Media enquiries please contact Kristian Clarke at (416) 340-8850, or [email protected]
Posted on: Fri, 31 Oct 2014 21:08:13 +0000