The National Arts Centre’s #CanadaPerforms program kicks off the literary component of its live online series today at 3 p.m. EST with a conversation between Margaret Atwood and former Governor General Adrienne Clarkson. The event takes place on the National Arts Centre’s Facebook page.

The Ottawa cultural institution is currently seeking proposals from professional authors, poets, essayists, and novelists whose 2020 spring-summer book tours and launch events have been cancelled. Chosen writers will receive a grant worth up to $1,000.

Since #CanadaPerforms kicked off on March 19 it has featured 100 livestreamed performances in multiple disciplines, generating 1.7 million views. The Facebook-NAC Fund for Performing Artists currently sits at $700,000, thanks to contributions from Facebook, Slaight Music, RBC Foundation, and SiriusXM Canada. The literary series is supported by a second $100,000 contribution from Facebook Canada. The Writers’ Trust of Canada is acting in an advisory role, with CBC Books as a promotional partner.

Interested writers should send an email to [email protected] with the following information: “name, and other authors involved (if applicable), what part of Canada they are from, a brief description of their book and what they will focus on (250 words maximum), a brief comment on why they are applying (100 words maximum) and and on which internet platform or site they wish to host their livestreamed event (not pre-recorded).”

Applications will be accepted until April 20 with events scheduled until May 31.