Music Industry Calls For Immediate Support
Blayne Treadgold
21 March 2020
The Australian live performance industry is calling on the federal government to provide an immediate $750m relief package in order to save jobs, businesses and livelihoods of the live music workforce.
In a statement from I lost my gig, a website set up by the Australian Music Industry Network to record financial losses and social impacts of the COVID-19 economic downturn and associated social restrictions, reports lost income over $250m with over 240,000 job opportunities lost.
The statement also outlines several key areas where the emergency funds would be most needed including mental health crisis and financial support for those working within the industry, cash injections to performing arts companies and venues as well as an extension of all current government funding arrangements.
How can you help?
Donate to Support Act’s COVID-19 Emergency appeal.
Support Act is Australia’s only charity delivering crisis relief services to artists, crew and music workers as a result of ill health, injury, a mental health problem, or some other crisis that impacts on their ability to work in music.
On Boom’s Friday Drive, CEO Clive Miller explained there are many ways that music fans and the Australian public can still support the music industry as they launched their industry-wide ‘Sound of Silence’ campaign.
“The Sound of Silence is an industry-wide campaign to raise awareness of the scale of the problem and encourage a coordinated response.”
“From a fundraising point of view, [it’s] to encourage people to make a donation to Support Act so we can continue to deliver that service and continue to provide the mental health support,” he said.
Miller also mentioned there are other actions for music fans and gig-goers to consider.
“Listening to more Australian music, streaming and downloading Australian music and we also want people to visit the site of their favourite artists and buy merchandise because that’s going to put money into the pocket of musicians as well,” he said.
There is also a Spotify Playlist to support artists who have had gigs cancelled.
Play Here
If you or someone you know needs support please contact LIFELINE on 13 11 14
