Myseum of Toronto’s hosted their first Art in the Time of Covid virtual panel discussion last week, with a focus on theatre and dance. Next up in  this thought-provoking series is a talk that will focus on the music industry.

This Wednesday, join some of Toronto’s top arts innovators to explore how the pandemic has forced artists to become innovative, what are the vulnerabilities—specific to artists in this industry—that need to be addressed, and how both the private sector and public can best support musicians, and their vision for the future. 

Tinesha Richards Morris, Manifesto’s Operations and Partnerships Manager, is one of the brilliant minds who will adding her voice to tomorrow’s panel. In anticipation, we connected with Morris to get her views on what is happening now, and where we go from here. 

SDTC: What are your biggest concerns about the future of the music industry right now?

TR: My major concern right now is once this all passes, what will the new social norms be? What will gatherings look like? Will performance halls have stricter capacities? Will there be new/permanent gathering restrictions? 

What’s been giving you hope?

Unrelated to music, seeing the earth healing itself during all of this, is a beautiful thing, and I think a reflection of what is to come. 

What have you discovered about creativity since the onset of the pandemic?

When an artist is given an unusual circumstance combined with limitless opportunities, what is birthed is the epitome of the word innovation. Seeing how artists are thinking up new ways to entertain our communities, and be the source of distraction, during these uncertain times, is inspiring—even as a curator. 

What are you most looking forward to discussing in Myseum’s Art in the Time of COVID-19 panel?

I am most looking forward to discussing  how my fellow panelists have been able to engage communities in an oversaturated online market. This is something my team and I have had a hard time navigating. 

Where do you think our energy needs to be right now, in terms of supporting the music industry and independent artists?

I think our funding bodies, government and corporations have seen the importance of the arts during this time. My wish is that they continue to pour support both the industry and the artists, beyond this pandemic. 

Anything else you’d like to share?

My favourite Will Smith quote: Greatness lives on the edge of destruction.  

Myseum of Toronto’s Art in the Time of Covid panel discussion, with a focus on music, is happening Wednesday, April 29, 2-3:30 pm EST. The event will be moderated by Adil Dhalla (Artscape Daniels Launchpad), and joining Tinesha Richards on the panel will also be Andrés Sierra (Club Q), Mark Marczyk (URGNT),  and Randell Adjei (RISE.)Anyone, anywhere, can join for free, but you need to register.