Spotlight on GivingTuesday 2024
With Black Friday and Cyber Monday behind us, we turn our attention to how we can help others and give back to our communities in meaningful ways.
Established in Canada in 2013, GivingTuesday is now considered the largest generosity movement in the world, with over 100 countries taking part, 58 local community movements across the country, and millions raised for various causes.
On this GivingTuesday, if you're looking to make a difference in your community, we humbly ask that you consider the arts. Think of all the times the arts has made a difference in your life - whether it's a song that's helped get you through a difficult time, a local theatre troupe that put a smile on your face, a dance festival that’s put some spring in your step, or a book that’s inspired you or helped change your perspective. The arts helps connect us in a way that's truly magical.
However, for all the benefits the arts brings to our lives (including employing thousands and generating billions in economic impact), the sector is still undervalued. A recent Ipsos poll conducted on behalf of CanadaHelps found that while Canadians who engage in arts and culture have better mental health, are less lonely and better embrace cultural diversity, only six per cent of Canadians prioritize arts and culture charities as important causes to support, while less than two per cent of all donations on CanadaHelps.org are directed to this sector.
“With polarization on the rise in Canada and around the world, we need to find ways to bring Canadians together to bridge our differences,” said Duke Chang, President and Chief Executive Officer of CanadaHelps, in a news release.
“Arts and culture charities convene Canadians and share each other’s stories, highlighting how we are more similar than we are different, and breaking down stigma and prejudice against others.” (Click here to read the complete CanadaHelps news release.)
With that in mind, we'd like to highlight some local arts organizations with active campaigns that you can support on this GivingTuesday, or any other day of the year!
Established in 1984, Eastern Edge is a not-for-profit artist-run centre and a registered charity. As an arts-based community centre, Eastern Edge delivers free and accessible arts programming year-round. We provide a diversity of programs that appeal to artists regardless of age, race, language, or gender, creating a safe and engaging community where artistic practices at every level can thrive and every artist can be respected and celebrated.
We are accepting donations to help keep our programming free to the public and to help us keep paying artists properly according to the CARFAC fee schedule. (Click here to donate to Eastern Edge.)
Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra
This year, the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra (NSO) aims to expand our reach across Newfoundland and Labrador, both in person and virtually. With your help, we can visit more communities, inspire more students, and bring joy to more audiences.
- The NSO contributes $1.5 million annually to the local economy.
- At 82 members strong, the NSO is by far the largest employer of musicians in the province.
- The NSO offers access to online concerts free of charge to over 90 seniors’ homes and health/social service organizations across the province.
- The NSO inspires over 12,000 students annually through live and virtual educational programs, nurturing the next generation of musicians and music lovers.
Your donation makes these programs possible. Four out of every five dollars of the NSO’s annual revenue comes from our community…local businesses and people like you. (Click here to donate to the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra.)
Resource Centre for the Arts/LSPU Hall
Donating to the LSPU Hall and Resource Centre for the Arts (RCA) means directly supporting essential, live performance in your community.
You can donate directly as a one-time donation, become a monthly donor, purchase a seat from our Seat Campaign, or donate to our Endowment Fund.
However you choose to donate, it will go towards important programs and resources for the artists who create the art that is the backbone of this community. (Click here to donate to RCA/LSPU Hall.)
The Newfoundland & Labrador Folk Arts Society
This GivingTuesday, December 3, the Newfoundland & Labrador Folk Arts Society (NLFAS) are launching their 2024 fundraising campaign with a call to action. Help preserve and promote the folk arts of Newfoundland and Labrador! (Any donations that come in between today and December 31 are eligible for thank you/incentive gifts.)
When you give to the NFLAS, you are not just supporting the NL Folk Festival, you are also supporting their year-round programming, including: weekly Folk Night at The Ship performances and group sessions, monthly programs such as the FolQ Open MiQ, Songs and Yarns, I’s Not the B’ys, etc. You’re also supporting extensive youth outreach and training programs like Young Folk at the Hall, that help engage and promote our up-and-coming generation of folk artists. (Click here to donate to the Newfoundland & Labrador Folk Arts Society.)
St. John's International Women's Film Festival
The St. John's International Women's Film Festival (SJIWFF), based in Newfoundland, is Canada's longest-running women's film festival.
Unyielding in its commitment to advancing gender equity in the screen industries for over 35 years, SJIWFF has earned its position as a pivotal leader in the festival circuit, garnering growing accolades.
Driven by a bold vision, SJIWFF strives to forge an equitable film industry by elevating awareness of the profound contributions of women and gender-diverse artists to the craft and business of filmmaking.
As the province's flagship film festival, SJIWFF orchestrates year-round film screenings, community events, mentorship programs, industry training and networking initiatives, culminating in a signature five-day international film festival and film industry forum each October. As a testament to its growing importance and reputation as a must-attend event, the festival receives over 1,000 annual film submissions and welcomes upwards of 6,000 guests year-round.
Amplifying the national and international profile of local film industry talents and the province as a cultural hub, SJIWFF brings critical artistic development and creative vitality to Newfoundland and Labrador. (Click here to donate to the St. John's International Women's Film Festival.)
This is by no means a complete list. Click here and scroll down to check out our membership and visit their websites to learn how you can support your favourite local arts organizations and help them continue their vital work!
