In a time of global uncertainty due to the COVID-19 crisis, arts and cultural organisations and the broader creative industries sector are facing numerous and overwhelming challenges. From widespread event and festival cancellations that include industry juggernauts Dark Mofo and Vivid, to some organisations closing their doors entirely, we are in uncharted waters - but we are in them together.
Numerous arts bodies and advocacy groups such as the MEAA (Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance) are joining the call for sector support during this time, and we have seen the first announcement on arts sector support on a State level trickle through this morning (see below). Also, if you haven’t seen this already, Tony Burke MP delivered this powerful press conference on Saturday. Preach, Tony!
How is the arts industry responding to COVID-19? Here are some resources you can check out*:
Queensland Government to assist arts sector through COVID-19 crisis (Press Release - 18 March 2020): Read the latest announcements from the Palaszczuk Government here.
Support Act Wellbeing Helpline: 1800 959 500. Free and confidential 24 hour support via phone for those in the music industry. There is also crisis funding available that you can apply for online.
I Lost My Gig Australia: Data collection initiative tracking economic impacts of COVID-19 on the arts, hospitality, media and entertainment industries as a result of event cancellations. Share how your event/s have been impacted here.
National Association for the Visual Arts: NAVA released this Industry Advisory Note earlier this week and they are asking for responses to the COVID-19 arts impacts survey.
Performing Arts Connections Australia: PAC Australia have partnered with Art Lands 2020 to distribute a COVID-19 impacts survey specifically for performing arts centres in Australia.
Institute of Community Directors: Epidemic/Pandemic Policy Template for organisations.
Museums & Galleries QLD: M&G QLD are encouraging all volunteer-run museums and galleries to close to the public. Read their COVID-19 Response here.
ArtsHub - Coronavirus Australian arts event cancellations, state by state: Read about which industry events and festivals have been cancelled or postponed across the country.
*Please note that this list is by no means exhaustive, but rather provides a starting point for you to identify information most relevant to you and your professional/personal circumstances.
March Highlights
I would also like to share two highlights from earlier this month. March saw the completion of the Human Resource Management unit as part of my studies with Deakin University, bringing it home with an overall grade of 87% (High Distinction). I’m very pleased with this result and I’ve now commenced the next unit on my course path - Arts Marketing.
March is also the host month of Queensland Women’s Week & International Women’s Day. It was a privilege to represent the South Burnett Women Committee at Kumbia Kindergarten’s International Women’s Day Luncheon, and announce the recipient of the 2020 Dr Ellen Mary Kent Hughes Scholarship. Since 2016 this bursary program has offered $5,000 each year to a South Burnett woman pursuing tertiary education. This year’s recipient was Victoria Almond from Maidenwell, who worked hard in an Applied Science course last year to increase her GPA and achieve entry into UQ’s Bachelor of Veterinary Science program in 2020. Tori will be studying for the next five years to obtain her qualification and this scholarship can be used as per the recipients’ needs - accommodation costs (which can be significant for rural families), textbooks, laptop etc.
2020 Scholarship partners include Red Earth Community Foundation, AGL Energy, Bega Cheese & Dr Mark Radford - without them this wouldn’t be possible! Congratulations Tori, so well deserved.
Read more here:
Everyday Heroes - Rural women inspire at kindy event via the South Burnett Times (9th March 2020)
Dr Ellen Mary Kent Hughes 2020 Scholarship receipient Victoria Almond (left), and South Burnett Women Committee Member Olivia Everitt (right). Image courtesy of South Burnett Women.