Good afternoon, everyone.
Mr. Chair, hon. members, thank you for the invitation.
The Fondation des artistes has been in existence for over 35 years. Its mission is to provide one‑time financial assistance to local professional artists who are going through a precarious time. It supports all professional artists and artisans, regardless of their age or sector, including actors, singers, musicians, dancers, circus artists, multidisciplinary artists and many others. The support offered is impartial and takes the form of grants. The grants allow artists to meet their basic needs, such as housing, groceries, health care, and so on.
Since self‑employed artists don't have access to employment insurance, the foundation's support allows them to get through a difficult period, hold on to their art and pursue their careers.
As you know, the arts sector is a field where precariousness is omnipresent. The worldwide pandemic of COVID‑19 has, of course, exacerbated this sad reality and has had a strong impact on the cultural world.
While in 2018‑19 the foundation granted some $260,000 in assistance to artists, in 2020‑21 more than $2,750,000 was distributed in emergency assistance. The amounts donated have increased more than tenfold compared to previous years. This represents more than 1,975 donations in the last 12 months alone.
The growing number of artists supported and donations made by the foundation is due to the support of major industry players such as Netflix and WarnerMedia, private foundations, the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec and our Jean‑Duceppe fund, not to mention, of course, the establishment of the emergency fund for artists and cultural workers in the performing arts, financed by the Quebec Ministry of Culture and Communications. This fund was endowed with an initial amount of $2 million, which was quickly depleted in just a few months. Fortunately, it was replenished with $3 million in the summer of 2021.
It was based in part on the foundation's excellent reputation that the Government of Quebec supported it with confidence. The foundation's impeccable ethics, sound processes, and ongoing collaboration with government officials have been invaluable in helping artists through this difficult period. Full transparency of procedures has been established through regular reporting, as it should be.
Unfortunately, our funds, including the emergency fund from the Quebec Ministry of Culture and Communications, are now exhausted.
As you know, according to Statistics Canada, entertainment GDP fell by 66% in the first two quarters of 2020. Yet just over a year into the pandemic, it was still 64% of a full recovery. I think you understand that the situation is alarming.
I will be pleased to answer any questions you may have.