Zebbug, MALTA - This dance piece is moving, intricate, and beautifully danced. There’s something special about watching a rehearsal video of something like this. From a distance, the uniform lines and great technique can make the dancer seem untouchable and sometimes cold. This up-close, behind-the-scenes look offers a chance to see the great skill and strength, the choice to keep on going when there’s been a stumble, and the connection between these dancers who have clearly been rehearsing tirelessly. We are very grateful for this submission from choreographer Pamela Kerr.

Toronto, CANADA - That Choir is a beloved and renowned music group in Toronto, and there were many left deeply disappointed with the news that they had to cancel their show Come And I Will Sing You. Lucky for us, Artistic Director and Conductor Craig Pike shared this incredible video with us, so that we can all enjoy their incredible sound from home!

Calgary, CANADA - Don’t just watch 5 minutes of this one. Set a date to watch this whole video. Pour some wine and forget about the world for a while. This full-length video of the ballet Joni Mitchell’s The Fiddle and the Drum was submitted by Jean Grand-Maitre, Artistic Director of Alberta Ballet, and co-creator of the piece with Joni Mitchell. It is a deeply moving, stunning piece of work that we feel unbelievably fortunate to present to you. Thank you, Jean, for this contribution. I think it will greatly comforting to many folks at home.

CANADA - These two legends were set to perform their beautiful show THE TIMES THEY ARE A CHANGIN’ at the Segal Centre before the need for distancing closed the theatre. They were kind enough to create this GORGEOUS video for The Social Distancing Festival so that their incredible talent can reach all of us at home. And WAIT until you hear that final chord.

NIGERIA - Well this is amazing. Rotex is an indie musician in Nigeria whose music is known to be captivating and intelligent. He intended to release this lyrics video in an effort to promote the release of an upcoming album, and worked hard to make that happen. We are so glad that you submitted it to us! It is SO good.

From the artist;

I was supposed to release it this weekend as part of the promotional content but the pandemic has taken all the attention and I’m afraid of it going under the radar. I did this with the amazing collective of creatives around me (NKEM "NOJ" , OGE, REGGIE, ACE, DAMICOOL, OGOHCLEM & GIDEON).

L.A., USA - This submission came from artist Renée Fox, who was part of an exhibition that was supposed to open in downtown Los Angeles. A show that was meant to examine feelings like uncertainty and precariousness, the work feels resonant now.

Canada - Singer-songwriter, actress, and author Jann Arden sent a message to The Social Distancing Festival, offering some words of encouragement and love to all the artists out there. My favourite part is “jumping jacks on the bed!”

Thanks so much for this heart-warming message Jann! It means a lot.

Chicago, USA - from John Giesa of Hasbrook Galleries: The Inspiration for the show was initially derived from our conception of contemporary surrealism, and how reality and dream scape, from the darkest reaches to the heart of the sun, are becoming ever more indistinguishable and malleable. This idea morphed into a larger sense of disillusionment and how it fits into surrealism. Using our web platform as a space these fleeting differences will be prevalent as we start with surreal photography and move through the space into a looser reality.

Calgary, CANADA - This work is like nothing you’ve ever seen before. We don’t post much student work, but when we do… it’s exceptional. Simone Saunders is in her final year at the Alberta University of the Arts. Her tufted artwork is inspiring, political, colourful, and thought-provoking.

NYC, USA - Who doesn’t love a choir? Who doesn’t love a gay men’s choir? Who doesn’t love a gay men’s choir singing Come Rain or Come Shine? The New York Gay Men’s Chorus, like so many choral organizations, has closed down for the season and won’t be performing their final concert. They were kind enough to share this music video with us, which they would have sang in their final concert. You guessed it. Come Rain or Come Shine.

Toronto, CANADA - The ASTOUNDING Christopher Rice from the Toronto production of Hamilton sent us a video message, offering words of solidarity and support for all those artists out there who have had work cancelled or postponed. PLUS a freaking AMAZING little surprise at the end!

CANADA - Well, here goes something! Olivier Award winning and Tony nominated producer Michael Rubinoff has put together a fundraiser for the AFC that brings viewers across the country in 24 hours. Co-hosted by Rubinoff, Second City’s Ashley Botting, and playwright Nick Green (that’s me!) the telethon will start at 2pm EDT on March 25, and feature prominent artists and artistic directors from beloved theatres all over Canada.

Paris, FRANCE - Foto Femme United (FFU) a platform and photography group based in Paris, in collaboration with Galerie &CO119, launched their first ever exhibition on the theme of censorship, primarily in social media. The exhibition was to take place March 12-21 at Galerie &CO119. They received 420 images from 140 photographers representing 32 countries, with 26 finalists chosen photographers and 42 exhibited images. Sadly, it had to be postponed after a great deal of work and anticipation.

CANADA/USA - Alessandro Costantini, who recently returned home from the 1st North American Tour of Dear Evan Hanson, made this video for The Social Distancing Festival. He shares some kind words for all the artists out there, and then serenades us with 'O Sole Mio in honour of his family in Italy.

Toronto, CANADA - Against the Grain Theatre, one of Toronto’s most exciting opera companies, has announced that the premiere of their new opera BOUND has been postponed indefinitely. In honour of that, they have submitted this full-length video of their past production of La Boheme (it was the first live streamed opera in Canada, no big deal).

CANADA - Irene Sankoff and David Hein, creators of the Tony Award winning (and global phenomenon) Come From Away, sent me this lovely video of the gorgeous Me and the Sky (accompanied by the uke!). Their show, productions of which have been impacted in theatres around the world, sends a message of community, unity, and kindness, and I think that this video says just that to the arts community. Thanks so much for sending this in Irene and David!