With information from Front of House Magazine and CITT
Canada’s live events industry is joining together to issue a “red alert” on Sept. 22. Following a U.S. red alert campaign on September 1, and earlier initiatives in the U.K. and Europe this summer, the Day of Visibility, backed by the Canadian Institute for Theatre Technology (CITT/ICTS), will bring attention to the industry’s plight. While “not a protest,” the event will signal gratitude for programs like CERB, CEWS, arts and heritage grants, and remind Canadians of the need for continued support “until the lights are back on for good.”
On September 22, an hour after sundown, we are asking technicians, suppliers and venues across the country to light up live events in red – raising awareness for an industry that is still dark and bringing to light the many performers, creators, technical, logistical, and management support personnel who drive a $100 billion Canadian economic engine.
#LightUpLive https://lightuplive.ca LiveEventCommunity.org
Dear Live Event Workers, Event Venues and Companies,
We were the first out of our jobs, and all indications are that we will be the last back. Many people are facing choices between food and rent, or are facing evictions. Production personnel and artists, companies all across production and entertainment are fading to black. We are proposing a Day of Visibility for the Entertainment and Events Industry. This is a “red alert,” reminding Canadians that we are still here and ready to work, but to stop the spread of COVID-19, large events, conventions and concerts have been cancelled indefinitely.
On Tuesday, 22 September 2020, an hour after sundown, we are asking technicians, suppliers and venues across the country to light the night red – raising awareness for an industry that is still dark.
Campaigns in Germany (#nightoflight2020) and the UK (#LightItInRed) have been successful in raising the profile of an industry that has lost 80-95% of its business since March. We need every jurisdiction in Canada to find the time and a red light. It does not need to be a giant show; it just needs to be a show of red. We need our venues, shops, homes (and gnomes!) awash with red. We would love to see YOU the workers lit up in red as well! Put your city’s twist on it.
[There is an interactive map at liveeventcommunity.org/redalert where you can showcase your installation. There will be an opportunity to give some love to your installation sponsor/supporter as well. Use the hashtag #LightUpLive.]
This is not a protest. We are reminding our communities and our government that we have been told to stand by for the health of our fellow Canadians and that we want to be ready to return to work once the danger has passed.
The arts and live event community would like to thank our various provincial and federal governments who have been supportive to this point with programs like CERB, CEWS, arts and heritage grants - but it’s not over. Our stages, conference rooms, event centers, and venues are still dark. We need continued support until the lights are back on for good.
