Dark times for our Arts Precinct

Southbank’s Arts Precinct, and Victoria’s creative industries more broadly, have been some of the hardest hit by COVID-19.

By March 22, when Premier Dan Andrews announced an immediate shutdown of all non-essential services and mass gatherings, every theatre, gallery and performance space in Southbank had announced indefinite shutdowns.

The creative industries contribute $23 billion to Victoria’s economy annually and employs more than 220,000 workers, many of whom are independent contractors and casual employees.

While some have been able to translate their creative practices to comply with new social distancing measures, the loss of venues means the loss of a livelihoods for so many. And for the thousands who attend some of the more than 3000 arts performances in Southbank every year, which is more than visit Melbourne’s Sports Precinct annually, it means engaging with the arts community in new and innovative ways online.

While with great loss comes new opportunities to recalibrate, the impacts of COVID-19 on the sector is expected to be felt for years to come and we, as a community, can only do our best to continue supporting them through these unprecedented times.

Below are just a few statements released from some of our creative institutions last month in the wake of venue closures:

Arts Centre Melbourne:

“Every ounce of our beings as arts workers is to raise the curtain on the next spectacular performance; ‘the show must go on’ is our battle cry as an industry,” CEO Claire Spencer said.

“To say this decision is counterintuitive and deeply upsetting is a gross understatement. But this unprecedented situation demands an unprecedented response.”

“We know this is a difficult time for our community and we extend our solidarity to all of those who are impacted, especially artists, performers, and staff whose livelihood depends on a vibrant and fully functioning Arts Centre Melbourne. The wellbeing and support of our staff is paramount.”

“We know that the arts play a critical role in uplifting and supporting our communities and we’ll continue to explore ways to bring the wonder of the performing arts to Victorians during this time.”

Arts Centre Melbourne will remain closed until June 30.

The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV):

“Despite the gallery temporarily closing its doors, I want to thank the NGV community for your continued generosity and support,” NGV director Tony Ellwood AM said.

“We have been pleased to be able to welcome you into new gallery spaces with #NGVEveryDay and NGV Channel, and we thank you for your overwhelmingly positive feedback.”

“From our team here at NGV, we’d like to express our very best wishes to our community at this time. Due to the evolving nature of COVID-19 and after closely following the state and federal governments’ advice, we have extended the NGV’s temporary closure until June 30.”

Melbourne Theatre Company (MTC):

“Hours of hard work and dedication go into every one of our shows and provide jobs for hundreds of creative professionals who rely on MTC to make a living. This unprecedented situation will drastically impact our industry,” an MTC spokesperson said.

“We deeply apologise for the disappointment that these cancellations will cause to our audiences. If you have a ticket for Torch the Place or Emerald City, it may be exchanged for another show later in the year or refunded. But we would also greatly appreciate your consideration of the option to donate your tickets to MTC, which will help support the Company, particularly our casual staff and our creative artists at this challenging time.”

The Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA), Melbourne Recital Centre, Margaret Lawrence Gallery, Chunky Move, Buxton Contemporary, Testing Grounds, Malthouse Theatre, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO), MPavilion and ACMI-X are among numerous other organisations to temporarily shut their doors.

Major festivals including the Comedy Festival, Jazz Festival, Melbourne Fringe, Next Wave, Melbourne Art Fair and the new Melbourne Winter Arts Festival have been cancelled or postponed.

However, the likes of Arts Centre Melbourne, NGV, MSO and Australian Ballet have been adapting to the changing environment by releasing a number of performances, podcasts and resources online. You can head to their websites, and follow all of our creative institutions on social media to support and find out more.

The City of Melbourne has also offered $2 million in grants to artists and creatives to invest in new works and digital presentations of works and performances.

Grants include $4000 for individual artists and smalls arts organisations and applications open on April 14 here: melbourne.vic.gov.au/arts-and-culture/strategies-support/funding/Pages/assistance-creatives-covid-19.aspx