Our local Creative Industries were already suffering financially after the bushfires our region recently experienced. Friday’s government announcement, that all non-essential gatherings of 500+ people are to be cancelled, in an effort to reduce the spread of Covid-19 Coronavirus, is another huge blow to our Creative Industries & Tourism. For so many businesses the Easter break was a beacon of hope to rejuvenate following an extremely challenging summer. Events such as The Man from Snowy River Festival in Corryong, Yackandandah Folk Festival & the Albury Gold Cup have been confirmed as cancelled or postponed thus far.
The Creative Industries are often the first to lend a hand, which was so evident in the recent bushfire crisis with musicians, performers & artists donating their time & skills in aid of others. So much of our industry is a casual, sub-contractor or sole-trader workforce and for us the financial consequences of the measures that have been put in place and when we look to other parts of the world what may be coming, will be crippling.
If you are in a position to not require a refund for an event, festival, workshop or class that may be cancelled or postponed due to Covid-19 Coronavirus then please consider that ticket you purchased as a donation to the artist, organisation or community.
From a wellbeing perspective not being able to gather as communities will be detrimental to our overall health. The economic effect globally from the measures being taken to contain the virus will be astronomical. But we cannot put a price on the health of those in our community who are most at risk.
Stay well, wash your hands, keep abreast of the recommendations by the authorities but be sure to connect with family, friends & your creative community as we pull through this global test.
Let’s take inspiration from this Italian apartment block who formed a community band during their current quarantine, the importance of the arts & connection never more evident.
Murray Arts contributes directly to the arts and cultural lifeblood of the NE VIC/ Border region by working directly with individuals, communities and local government to assist them in developing the arts and cultural life of their communities.
Murray Arts gratefully acknowledges funding partners:
Murray Arts acknowledges the traditional custodians and caretakers of the land and waters on which we are privileged to work. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and encourage everyone to champion our emerging leaders of the future.
