ANNUAL 2019 REPORT Photo credit: Francos de Montréal

COVID-19: Survive the crisis TABLE OF CONTENTS

About FAME 4 New Members 4 Executive Director’s Message 5 Support from across 6 New study shows the importance of festivals and events for the economy and tourism 7 Requests to the federal government 8 Six reasons to support the event industry 9 COVID-19: needed measures 9 2019 Highlights 10 Members 12

460 Ste-Catherine Street West #710 Montréal (Québec) H3B 1A7 514 419-3604 www.fame-feem.ca | [email protected] Photo credit: International de Montgolfières de St-Jean-Sur-Richelieu EXECUTIVE FESTIVALS AND MAJOR EVENTS CANADA (FAME) IS A PAN-CANADIAN COALITION REPRESENTING SOME DIRECTOR’S 500 FESTIVALS AND EVENTS OF ALL SIZES THROUGH A MESSAGE COMBINATION OF DIRECT AND AFFILIATED MEMBERSHIP. A TIME TO ACT AND PERSEVERE AIMS TO: Less than a year after receiving and welcoming positive news about funding for its members, Festivals • Raise awareness of the importance of • Publish economic data and research • Improve the policies and public the Canadian festivals and events industry results that highlight the importance of financing of festivals and major events. and Major Events Canada (FAME) quickly got to work in to ensure the sustainability of the as an economic driver as well as a key the Canadian festivals and events sector; investments made, to avoid the impact of possible cuts and, as much as possible, to prevent a rather export, growth, and development sector. and present comparative analyses of the • Work in collaboration with governments surreal administrative situation at the Department of Canadian Heritage. competitive position Canada occupies and various industry organizations with • Act as the recognized spokesperson at the international level in this growth the goal of increasing Canada’s economic for the festivals and events sector at the sector. prosperity. Then came the COVID-19 pandemic. national level and engage with partners, governments, and the general public. For the industry, we aim to become a The ensuing crisis was far from over as we culture. This has been fulfilled in a big way at Or they could be told later this year that, in forum for the exchange of best practices were completing this annual report. But the CBC and the Canada Council for the Arts. 2021, they will be receiving the 2018 amount and consultation in terms of operational one thing is already certain: it will have an But it was done while ignoring performing arts and then, sometime in the spring or summer excellence and product quality. enormous impact on festivals and events presenters, mainly supported by the Canada of 2021, after the federal budget, receive an across Canada and could lead to the Arts Presentation Fund and the Building upward adjustment–equivalent to the amount disappearance of many of them. Communities through Arts and Heritage they would have received in 2020. Program, two important “tools” that were at Because they are both “hyper-seasonal” and the time routinely renewed without increases. With 500 festivals and events in Canada, the NEW MEMBERS* “hyper-social,” events and festivals are in the Festivals and Major Events Canada major eye of the storm. While they have year-round However, the needs of these two Canadian coalition now includes member festivals and FAME is delighted to welcome the arrival of these four new association members to the fold: expenditures, they usually only generate Heritage programs were glaring, recognized, events of all sizes in most Canadian provinces. revenues for three to 10 days, as a general and well-documented. It was estimated that It also has associate members, such as rule. Already, significant deficits are emerging there were at least 40% more applications than Événements Attractions Québec (300 festivals among those who–often with only a few available funds. The only way to accept new and events in Québec); the Ottawa Festival weeks or months’ notice–have decided to “clients” who had emerged in the last decade Network (some 100 festivals and events in the cancel their activities and among those who was by cutting grants to existing clients. region); the Regroupement des événements have simply followed public health guidelines. majeurs internationaux (27 major Québec Événements Attractions Regroupement des Ottawa Festival Atlantic Presenters In 2017, and even more so in 2018, Festivals events and six affiliate members); the Atlantic Québec événements majeurs Network Association FAME is currently trying to persuade the federal and Major Events Canada, along with many Presenters Association (more than 30 festivals government to provide festivals and events allies, conducted an intensive advocacy in the four Maritime provinces) and Event The Québec association has internationaux The Ottawa Festival Network, The Atlantic Presenters with much needed assistance through specific campaign. Finally, in early 2019, the Minister Atlantic (with upwards of 40 members some 300 member festivals RÉMI has 27 active members which is well established in the Association (APA) is the measures that are in addition to those being of Finance confirmed millions of dollars in Atlantic Canada). We will continue to throughout Quebec, of all and 6 affiliated members in federal capital, brings together regional arts presenter’s provided for all companies and workers. We in new support in his budget. In the end, work diligently to create a better business sizes and missions. Québec. about 100 events. organization for the hope that our appeal will be heard this time. $7 million was added to the $17.7 million environment for all, with a focus on growth, four Atlantic Provinces: budget of the Building Communities through security (and public health!), and creativity. Newfoundland and Labrador, I say, “this time,” because the survival of the Arts and Heritage Program, and $8 million Prince Edward Island, Nova industry, which includes hundreds of small was added to the $32.5 million budget of MARTIN ROY Scotia and New Brunswick. community events, is at stake. “This time,” the Canada Arts Presentation Fund. Some Some 30 events are members. because it is absolutely essential to avoid the 1,350 festivals and events benefited from And of these three new members: indecision and inaction that has too often, and these announcements in 2019-2020, and for too long, characterized the last decade. again in 2020-2021, although this second season has largely been cancelled due to the Let us remember, for example, that for more pandemic. After that? For now, nothing. than 10 years now, all cultural stakeholders have 1. *During the membership period, from been advocating, with greater intensity each This means that, if nothing more is done soon, Vancouver Fringe Festival Latin Sparks Festival TD Sunfest April 1st 2019 to March 30th 2020 year, for a reinvestment in Canadian Heritage. by 2021, festivals and events could again The Liberal Party came to power in 2015 on receive from these two programs the same the promise of providing better support for grants that they were getting back in 2018.

4 5 SUPPORT FROM ACROSS CANADA NEW STUDY SHOWS THE IMPORTANCE For two years, dozens of cities, Association of British Columbia, the Support was also received from many associations, festivals, events and elected Alliance de l’industrie touristique elected officials from all levels of officials have been demonstrating their du Québec, the Tourism Industry government and from various parties, OF FESTIVALS AND EVENTS FOR THE support for FAME’s campaign calling Association of New Brunswick, the such as the mayors of Montréal and on the Government of Canada to finally Tourism Industry Association of , Québec City, 25 members of the House create a better business environment that the Office de Tourisme du Québec, of Commons, as well as ministers of the ECONOMY AND TOURISM would benefit everyone. Festivals et Événements Québec, the Government of Québec, namely Nathalie Ottawa Festivals Network and the Support increased as never before. About Regroupement des événements majeurs Roy at Culture and Communications and Highlights of the KPMG study released on May 31, 2018 100 letters were sent to the Minister of internationaux. Other signatories include Caroline Proulx at Tourism. Finance and to officials responsible for the Manitoba Hotel Association, the Public Safety, Canadian Heritage and In a letter, the Minister of Canadian The study, commissioned by the Regroupement des événements majeurs internationaux (RÉMI), covers Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Heritage himself, Pablo Rodriguez, Tourism. All signatories supported FAME’s Association, the Hotel Association confirmed to FAME that it could “count on nine members of FAME and concludes that the Government of Canada received 1.78 times what it position of keeping festivals and events of Greater Montreal, the Canadian [his] support in [its] campaign to request safe, of ensuring their continued growth, Association of Fairs and Exhibitions, invested in events through taxes. While it subsidized 17 events with up to $9.7 million, the federal and of the importance of “creation.” Tourisme Montréal, Tourisme Mauricie, a revision, or even an increase, of the government received $17.3 million, before even considering the economic impact and the creation or budget envelope of the CAPF”- the Plan’s Letter signatories include major players Tourism Toronto and Montréal maintenance of jobs for the middle class. in the tourism industry in Canada such International. The cultural sector is “Focus on creation” component- which as the Tourism Industry Association also represented through the Canadian resulted in significant announcements in of Canada, the Tourism Industry Arts Coalition. the 2019-2020 federal budget. THE BENEFITS

$66.6M $290.8M 4,606 in government The New Democratic in added value for the jobs created or tax revenues SUPPORT FOR EVENTS IS Party would initiate a Québec economy maintained by study on the impacts that major events NOW UNANIMOUS AMONG and festivals have on the tourism the events (full-time industry and would explore the idea of equivalent) adding a major events section to the FEDERAL PARTIES Canada Experiences Fund (CEF). (In line with FAME’s Growth pillar) Prior to the 2019 federal The government of the The New Democratic Party would review the Liberal Party of Canada election, the CPC proposed a $378 Security Infrastructure Program to understand reinvestment in the Building has added $15 million if the inclusion of major events would be the Communities through Arts average expenditures per year (for two years) to the two best option for keeping public events safe. (In Canadian heritage programs and Heritage Program (in line with $396M by visitors from outside that are the line with FAME’s Security pillar) main tools available to some 1,350 festivals FAME’s Culture pillar). “To better support total eligible expenses the region of the event and events in Canada. local festivals, community anniversaries, The New Democratic Party would explore and important community events, we funding options to better support Canadian (tourism and operations) coming primarily to The government of the Liberal Party will extend the Building Communities and Indigenous artists, including long term of Canada has created the Canadian Through Arts and Heritage Program for funding for Canada Arts Presentation attend the event Experiences Fund , which supports festivals an additional three years. This funding will Fund (CAPF) and the Building and events in certain priority areas (In line provide more opportunities for individuals Communities Through Arts and Heritage with FAME’s Growth pillar). to celebrate local talent and commemorate program. (In line with FAME’s Culture pillar) The government of the Liberal Party of the history of their communities. We will Canada is assessing the possibility of also ensure that this program highlights “The BQ has always viewed expanding access to the Communities at the hidden gems in rural and remote areas, festivals and the tourism they Risk: Security Infrastructure Program (In including Northern Canada.” attract as a driving force in our Festivals and events: a reason to travel domestically economy line with FAME’s Security pillar). The Conservative Party introduced the . It supports adding a or from abroad Our party and our leader, Justin Trudeau, Marquee Tourism Events Program (nearly sixth pillar to the Canadian Experiences Fund: budget allocated have firmly decided to support the cultural $100 million for 2009-2010 and 2010-2011) the events component. The • No fewer than 190,603 tourists came from outside the province where the 17 festivals and events to this fund should be increased industry, including major and minor and made a positive evaluation. “MTEP so as not to reviewed by the study were held, in this case Québec, primarily to attend these events. festivals. We understand the importance project activities aligned with the intended penalize the other components.”(In line with of being able to count on reliable funding, outcomes of the program and created FAME’s Growth pillar) • 66% of Québec visitors travelled primarily because of the event. allocated in advance, for the long-term positive benefits for recipients.” “The Bloc believes that the federal • 54% of visitor expenditures were generated by those coming from outside of Québec. planning of major events. We recognize the government should contribute to facilitate value of all that these festivals contribute to the organization of major events.” the country.”

6 7 REQUESTS TO THE SIX REASONS TO SUPPORT THE EVENT FEDERAL GOVERNMENT INDUSTRY

For the business model to be The government supports the 1 viable, governments at all levels, 4 marketing and promotion of tourism, SAFETY GROWTH CREATIVITY from municipal to federal, must play but offers little support for the their full role as redistributors with “product.” The product needs to respect to events; this would ensure be made before it can be sold! Security costs for festivals and events While the event industry is growing The two-year investments made in they receive a share of the revenues Seemingly less attractive, Canada have mounted exponentially following rapidly globally, the growth of Budget 2019-2020 to the Canada generated by their activity (sales tax, is one of the only countries to have the several highprofile incidents Canadian festivals and events Arts Presentation Fund (CAPF) and lodging tax, air fares, etc.). seen the number of international around the world. The increase in remains stunted due to chronic the Building Communities Through tourists drop in the last decade. The At the end of the ’90s, the anti- security costs have a crushing impact under-investment by the Federal Arts and Heritage Program (BCAH) trend is now being reversed: we 2 smoking law eliminated tobacco have to support growth! on the budgets of festivals and events, Government. Canadian festivals and were welcomed enthusiastically by the sponsorships, depriving events many of which are not-for-profits, free, events struggle to compete with industry. These commitments are set to of nearly $60 million. The federal Although festivals and events and open to the public. festivals internationally. end in 2020-2021, and did not achieve government initially provided are considered some of the most the levels required to meet the demand 5 SOLUTION SOLUTION compensation through the appealing and important attractions and allow Canada’s cultural sector to Allow additional funding announced • Implement a program aimed sponsorship program and then of our tourist destination, the thrive. The CAPF, in particular, is over- in Budget 2019-2020 for the specifically at festival and event through the marquee tourism federal government provides less subscribed. In 2017-2018, total requests Security Infrastructure Program for growth that recognizes their events program, but not on a support to them than many other from applicants exceeded available countries Communities at Risk accessible to touristic and economic value. permanent basis. . As a result, festivals program resources by approximately and events are not competing on non-profit festivals and events. • Renew the funding for the Canadian 40 percent. The disappearance of this latter a level playing field to maintain weakened the OR Experiences Fund (CEF) created in 3 program in 2011 and improve their appeal to these SOLUTION industry. The federal government’s Create a similar program that would Budget 2019-2020 which currently international tourists. runs until 2020-2021 and add a sixth • Renew the funding from Budget withdrawal from this sector came assist public event organizers in 2020-21 for CAPF and BCAH in despite Ottawa’s acknowledgement Festivals and events are at the heart covering a portion of infrastructure pillar for “events tourism” to the CEF. order to avoid uncertainty within the that festivals and events are economic 6 of the identity of Canadians, an expenditures, including metal industry and ensure its successful drivers by including them in the integral part of their way of life and detectors, cameras, and various • Provide funding support to conduct delivery in 2021-2022. action plan after the 2008 crisis and a phenomenon, especially among security devices. a comprehensive pan-Canadian allocating a total of $92 million to millennials who are more interested • Implement a proactive review economic impact study on the them in the following two years. in “living” experiences. They also Ministry: Public Safety and Emergency process that includes consultation festivals and events industry. showcase our culture internationally, Preparedness with industry with the aim to and represent a new form of cultural Ministry: Economic Development and optimize the delivery of renewed diplomacy and export. Official Languages grants in 2021-2022. Ministry: Canadian Heritage

COVID-19: NEEDED MEASURES As we were completing this annual report, COVID-19 was continuing to seriously impact the events sector. FAME is recommending to its partners and governments:

1. Maintain regular grants and sponsorships from Crown corporations, whether or Ensure that regional tourism associations Simplifying taxation and bureaucracy Creating a federal tax credit for the not the event is held; make a significant financial contribution (notably when welcoming foreign production of shows, which currently 2. Ensure the eligibility of events and festivals for the Canada Emergency Wage towards the development of festivals and artists)—Regulation 105 and tax exists in Québec. This measure Subsidy (CEWS) program since the current criteria often do not apply to their greements events, particularly through a withholdings. wouldallow presenters, such as major situation. Otherwise, put in place measures at Canadian Heritage with the same with Canada Economic Development Ministry: Finance international events, to acquire shows goals, allowing festivals and events to retain their core teams and expertise, while in Québec. at lower cost. limiting deficits. Ministries: Innovation, Science, Ministries: Finance/Canadian Heritage 3. Take measures to fund and absorb deficits, which are expected to be numerous and Economic Development/Tourism significant in the coming months; Organization: Economic Development Canada 4. Put in place recovery programs, inspired by past examples such as the Marquee Tourism Events Program (MTEP, 2009-2010).

8 9 2019 HIGHLIGHTS

NOVEMBER By welcoming new associate members, Événements SUMMER Attractions Québec,

May 21 Members’ Regroupement des Tourism Minister events tour Événements Majeurs Mélanie Joly Internationaux and February 26 to March 1 announces the Atlantic Presenters FAME at the Vancouver International new federal July 10 Association the Festival. The Executive Director introduces tourism strategy In conjunction with Ottawa Festivals the association to some 20 representatives and the Canadian Bluesfest, FAME Network, FAME is of festivals and events from across British Experiences Fund, hosts a cocktail for increasingly emerging Columbia as part of a “festivals industry get- through which the Ottawa event as a broad coalition together” activity. In subsequent weeks, four festivals and events industry, attended August and September that now includes events in the province joined the coalition: were able to benefit by representatives Meetings with the leaders of the four main federal some 500 festivals the Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival, in subsequent of FAME members, political parties: Justin Trudeau, Andrew Scheer, and events through Cornucopia, the Vancouver Fringe Festival, months other festivals and Jagmeet Singh, and Yves-François Blanchet direct or affiliated and the Vancouver Folk Music Festival events, and partners membership

JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER

March 19 November 20 FAME and RÉMI applaud the FAME welcomes measures for Canadian festivals and the formation of the events contained in the 2019-2020 cabinet in Ottawa, budget, mainly the addition of congratulates the $15 million per year for two years new and returning to the two main programs available Ministers, and to Canadian festivals and events. requests meetings, Measures included in the budget notably with the new relating to security and tourism Minister of Canadian are also welcomed. That same day Heritage, Steven in Ottawa, Martin Roy took the Guilbeault opportunity to thank the Minister of Finance, Bill Morneau, personally January 17 FAME is a signatory August and September of the open letter FAME increases its engagement in La Presse +, activities through letters and “Mieux soutenir les meetings during the election diffuseurs en arts de campaign and submits its la scène” document “Some ideas for your party and your electoral platform in relation to the festivals and events industry.”

10 11 MEMBERS (as of March 31 2020)

QUÉBEC

Carnaval de Québec Festival Western de St-Tite

ComediHa ! Fest Montreal Pride

Festival d’été de Québec ALBERTA Francos de Montréal Festival International International de montgolfières de Jazz de Montréal Edmonton Folk Music Festival de Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu

Festival Juste pour rire Edmonton Fringe Montréal Complètement Cirque Theatre Festival Festival de montgolfières OSHEAGA Festival de Gatineau Edmonton Heritage Festival Musique et Arts Festival Montréal en Lumière Edmonton International Film Festival

MANITOBA

Folklorama

Winnipeg Fringe Festival

BRITISH COLUMBIA

Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival NEW BRUNSWICK

Cornucopia Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival

Vancouver Folk Music Festival

Vancouver Fringe Festival

Vancouver International Wine Festival ONTARIO

Beaches International TD Ottawa International Jazz Festival Jazz Festival

Latin Sparks Festival TD Salsa in Toronto (featuring the TD Salsa on St. Clair Street Festival)

OPG Winter Festival TD Sunfest Of Lights Toronto Caribbean Redpath Waterfront Festival Carnival

Rogers Cup (Toronto) Toronto International Film Festival

Association members

Événements Attractions Québec Regroupement des événements Ottawa Festival Network Atlantic Presenters Association majeurs internationaux