Tough times ahead for creative industries

THE arts and entertainment industry is feeling the weight of the coronavirus pandemic, as live performances, programs and festivals are forced to call off scheduled events in alignment with the federal and state governments’ social
distancing advice.
One of the region’s most popular annual celebrations of arts and culture, Geelong After Dark, will not go ahead this May.
Geelong mayor Stephanie Asher said the decision to cancel was not taken lightly.
“While it’s disappointing this beloved festival won’t be going ahead, it’s important that we follow official advice and not hold events that would see large numbers of people gathering.”
Platform Arts has also suspended the on-site delivery of all public events, programs, music gigs, performances, workshops and auditions, with the Central Geelong Marketing Committee following suit for its public events program until at least
April 13.
Meadow festival organisers announced on March 17 that it had abandoned plans for its March 27-29 festival in an effort to protect the health and safety of its patrons.
On March 20, The Drop Festival announced the cancellation of its events for the remainder of this year’s tour, which included Torquay.
“Our team is now actively working on finalising revised dates for a rescheduled tour for 2021. We graciously ask for your patience and understanding as we complete these plans and will be in touch with all ticketholders as soon as possible with more information regarding refunds and new dates.”
Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale’s Low Light Festival in June has been cancelled, but Queenscliff Music Festival organisers took to Facebook to say they were confident this year’s festival (November 27-29) would go ahead.
“We are planning what we hope will be our biggest and best festival this November 27-29. Should things change, you will be the first to know, but given our festival is over eight months away, it’s business as usual.”
Regional arts, music and culture magazine Forté, which reaches Ballarat, Bendigo, Castlemaine, Geelong and the Surf Coast each fortnight, announced it was forced to temporarily cease printing as a result of “escalating circumstances” caused by COVID-19.
According to I Lost My Gig Australia, the total lost income from cancelled events reached $300 million on March 21, with this number set to climb in the coming months.
People can support the music industry by buying merchandise and music, subscribing to artists’ YouTube channels, liking and following their social media account/s, streaming the “ilostmygig” playlist on Spotify or donating to Support Art who will help support music workers affected by coronavirus.
For more information, head to supportact.org.au.