Skip to content
  1. Home
  2. Local News

Red lights will shine at opera hall for live performers without work

The effort is part of a Canada-wide initiative called Light Up Live
CollingwoodToday Staff
Meaford Hall Light up Live
Meaford Hall will be lit up in red on Sept. 22 in tribute to live performing artists who have lost their jobs through the pandemic. Contributed photo
NEWS RELEASE
MEAFORD HALL 
**************************
On Sept 22, an hour after sundown, Meaford Hall will be lighting up its theatre in red to raise awareness for an industry that is still dark.
 
This Canadian initiative called Light Up Live has brought together venue operators across the country to acknowledge that most venues remain dark six months after their closure due to COVID-19.  Early response has been overwhelming and more than 350 venues across the country are participating.
 
Organizations, grassroots groups and individuals are coming together to ask and assist with illuminating landmarks in red, bringing to light the many performers, creators, technical, logistical, and management support personnel who drive a $100 billion Canadian economic engine. 
 
According to Statistics Canada, the arts, entertainment and recreation sector lost 152,000 of 486,100 jobs between June 2019 and June 2020, and 86 per cent of businesses experienced a high level of impact due to the decrease in demand or cancellation of services. 
 
The Day of Visibility for the Live Event Community will run Tuesday 22 September from an hour after sundown, coast to coast. Learn more: https://liveeventcommunity.org/three-weeks-to-go/.
 
 
**************************