The devastating impact of COVID-19 on the arts sector worries us all.
Our vision is to advocate for the creative arts – of all kinds – to be central to all forms of economic and social recovery.
We are delighted to see how many people are responding to artists in need – here are some examples.
Rage Against the V(irus) – HOTA have announced a new artist fund where artists can apply for $1000 for projects that take no more than 1 week to create and deliver:
https://aussietheatre.com.au/news/rage-against-the-virus-hota-announces-new-artist-fund
Collecting data on the impact of COVID-19 on artists and communities is one way to contribute.
NAVA have a survey to collect this data as well as various initiatives to support artists, including an online grant writing course.
Register with I Lost My Gig, an initiative of the Australian Music Industry Network and the Australian Festivals Association.
I Lost My Gig has a spotify playlist of acts with cancelled gigs.
Support Act have a Wellbeing Helpline: a free, confidential counselling service that is available to anyone working in Australian music (all genres), or the Australian Performing Arts, who needs to talk to someone about any aspect of their wellbeing. The Support Act Wellbeing Helpline is accessible 24 hours a day, 365 days per year by calling 1800 959 500 within Australia; or you can also email and a counsellor will call you back. Skype sessions are also available.
Australian Arts amid COVID-19 is a facebook group that provides support and advice.
You can also look at this article from ArtsHub on artists adapting to COVID-19
You can read a statement from the Australia Council for the Arts on COVID-19 here.
A similar statement from Create NSW with some resources can be found here.
The Arts Queensland assistance for the arts sector is also useful to read and we advocate for an even broader policy in NSW.
