Happy Wednesday Everyone! ✨ The sun's been shining, the weather's been warming up and, we're keeping our hopes high.

Have you heard? ⬇️

We’ve produced a digital version of Psyche with a Pay What You Can approach. We believe in the connection between Creativity & Wellness, and want to encourage everyone to flex their creative muscles during this difficult time. With a focus on mental health, Issue 11 of CreatedHere Magazine feels more relevant than ever.

https://www.createdhere.ca/shop/issue-11-psyche-digital-version-pwyc ($0-$10 on our website today!)✨

Photo by Hailley Fayle Photography

Nova Scotia Business Inc. (NSBI) has shared an overview of the Federal and Provincial (NS) support programs available to small businesses affected by COVID-19:

Government’s economic support plan added two new programs today that will put more than $40 million in the pockets of those out of work and small businesses affected by COVID-19.

Covid-19 Worker Emergency Bridge is for those laid off or out of work on or after March 16, because of COVID-19, and are not eligible for Employment Insurance. The $1,000 payment to help meet basic needs can be combined with the federal Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). The Bridge will provide quick access to support for those who have nowhere else to turn for government help. We will provide a simple, online application to help expedite getting people this help.

Covid 19 Small Business Sustainability Grant is for businesses ordered to close or substantially curtail operations by Public Health orders. The one-time grant that can be used for any purpose. Eligible small business can get an upfront grant to a maximum of $5,000. The grant can be combined with all federal and provincial small business support. The province has partnered with Dalhousie University so they can implement the two new programs announced today. The application portals will be ready next week.

Also today, a new extended-hours phoneline has been set up for people wanting information on income assistance eligibility from the Department of Community Services. Call toll-free 1-833-722-1417 from Monday to Friday 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. During regular business hours, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. call the regular toll-free line at 1-877-424-1177.

Introducing #TheNewRegular from CreatedHere⬇️

The routine of our days is anything but regular. It feels important to capture this unique moment in our shared history. Artists and makers, send us images and words about your new routines, your reinvented studio practice, your coping through creativity. Tell us how you are transforming fear into purpose.

Tag your content with #TheNewRegular @createdheremag on Facebook & Instagram. Starting this Saturday and running for as long as the need is there, we'll be featuring our favourite stories through social media features, artist interviews, online articles, video tutorials and virtual exhibitions. Just because we can't gather, doesn't mean we can't connect.

We have no doubt that the artists of New Brunswick will still be here through this, and so will CreatedHere. We’ll keep creating, keep cultivating creative thought, keep promoting creativity as a way of life in all times.