Workers in the performing arts across the state are experiencing the immediate and devastating impact of event cancellations and venue closures due to COVID-19.
From independent artists and small companies through to large organisations like Arts Centre Melbourne, everyone is affected. Our own temporary closure has affected the lives of hundreds of artists, technical production, box office, front of house, production and associated support staff, who depend on a vibrant and fully functioning Arts Centre Melbourne. And the livelihoods of many others across the industry are at stake.
Now they need our support.
If you would like to help arts industry workers during these unprecedented times, there are three charitable organisations that support physical and/or mental wellbeing in the arts. We strongly encourage you to donate the value of your refunded tickets, or another amount you choose, to one of these tax-deductible charities:
The Arts Wellbeing Collective provides mental health and wellbeing resources and helps deliver the Support Act Wellbeing Helpline, a 24/7 phone line available to anyone in the performing arts.
Victorian Actors' Benevolent Trust
The VABT provides emergency financial assistance to those in the entertainment industry who, in times of crisis or hardship, find themselves with nowhere else to turn.
Support Act deliver crisis relief services to artists, crew and music workers who are unable to work in the music industry, as well as partnering with Arts Centre Melbourne and the Arts Wellbeing Collective to deliver the Support Act Wellbeing Helpline.
1000 x 1000: Crisis Cash for Artists
Theatre Network Australia and Creative Partnerships Australia are seeking donors, to allow them to offer one-off $1000 emergency payments to 1000 independent artists who have been adversely affected by COVID-19.
We urge everyone to continue to follow the advice of government health authorities with regard to maintaining good hygiene practices. Additional information is available on the Victorian Government Department of Health and Human Services and Australian Government Department of Health websites.
Information on affected performances
