Canada’s CBC Unveils Creative Relief Fund

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada’s public broadcaster has launched the CBC Creative Relief Fund, providing immediate support to Canadian creators.

The new fund will provide C$2 million in development and production funding for a diverse range of original Canadian storytelling, including scripted comedies and dramas, unscripted entertainment, kids and young adult programming, podcasts, play adaptations and short documentaries.

There are three different streams to the fund. The Innovation Stream offers support of “big, bold ideas that are innovative and take creative risks,” to be considered for multiple development and production opportunities on all platforms. The Playwright Pilot Stream is open to playwrights with at least one produced play to submit either new concepts or existing plays for adaptation on all platforms. The CBC Short Docs Stream is inviting documentary filmmakers from across Canada to showcase their unique perspectives on what’s happening in the world during this time of COVID-19.

Canadian creators can apply immediately, running through April 24, and eligible applicants will be notified of their project’s status starting on May 8.

“In this time of challenge and change, we are working as quickly as we can to provide much-needed support to Canadian creators with this initiative that will immediately open up new funding across a range of storytelling,” said Barbara Williams, executive VP at CBC. “As we all look for programming to inspire, entertain and connect us during this period of physical distancing, we want to recognize the incredibly important role our artistic and creative communities serve and provide them with urgent funding to innovate and tell their stories in entirely new ways.”