Speak for the Arts!

Arts Northern Rivers is encouraging all local creatives to contribute to surveys dedicated to the Arts in Australia in response to COVID-19.

The particular effects on creative and cultural activity from COVID-19 are evident and continue to be considered as part of the national response by the Australian Government, who is working across all Government portfolios to support all communities experiencing unprecedented effects.

“Live performance events were attended by more than 26 million Australians in 2018, generating more than $2 billion in ticket revenues, part of the $112 billion arts contribution to the economy each year. More than 80 per cent of Australians attend arts events each year; 40 per cent of international tourists attend arts events; and more than 600,000 Australians are employed in the sector,” Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP said.

“Given the significance of the cultural and creative sector – both economically and culturally – it is important we work together on a constructive approach to preparing for potential impacts and fully understanding the support available.”

Regional Arts Australia are partnering with PAC Australia to distribute a survey they have compiled specifically for Performing Arts Centres in Australia.

NAVA is also working closely with national peak organisations as well as state and federal ministries and government departments to understand these impacts and represent them in detail, so that government at all levels is in the best position to consider urgent policy and funding responses. Take the survey here which also submits information to the #Ilostmygig database.

We encourage as many creative industry professionals to complete the above surveys. It is vital to collect as much data as possible so that the most comprehensive information to put to the Minister on the impact of covid19 across the arts, culture and entertainment industry.