Light Up Live spotlights live events sector

Across Ottawa and the country, live events technicians, suppliers and venues continue to struggle through the pandemic. A grassroots organization, Live Event Community is asking venues and landmarks across the country to light up their buildings and marquees in red on Tuesday, September 22 to raise awareness for an industry that remains dark.

According to StatsCan, the arts, entertainment and recreation sector lost 152,000 of 486,100 jobs between June 2019 and June 2020, and those still employed in the sector have seen a 45% reduction in hours worked.

Live events big and small are one of the best things about Ottawa. I'm very pleased that City Hall will be lit red to recognize these professionals' struggles, as well as Gatineau City Hall, the National Arts Centre, the National Gallery of Canada, Shaw Centre, TD Place, the Great Canadian Theatre Company, La Nouvelle Scène, Arts Court, Meridian Theatres at Centrepointe, Shenkman Arts Centre, and Festival House (Bluesfest)

For more information, and to learn how you can take part, see the #LightUpLive site here. or visit the Facebook event page here.