COVID-19 is hurting the performing arts COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on the performing arts. There are many news reports about how the restaurant industry has been struggling to work at half capacity, and more so now with only takeout and patios open. I can sympathize. However, speaking as a professional musician, I feel it’s important for people to understand how difficult the pandemic has been on the performing arts. Almost all of my work has ceased since March 2020. There are no government programs targeted to help us we are invisible. There is no employer, there is no paycheque, even a reduced one, and there is no EI. Most musicians are hired as freelance workers in a gig economy.