As the Greater Sydney area is plunged into at least another fortnight of lockdown, the NSW Government has announced a $75 million stimulus package for the performing arts and live music sector.
Per the Create NSW site, funding will be distributed to select not-for-profit and commercial performing arts organisations and live music organisations impacted by the cancellation of shows due to the recent outbreak of COVID-19 and subsequent restrictions on gathering.
The package is designed to provide relief to performing arts organisations and venues to continue paying staff and performers, along with providing support for loss of box office income as a result of shows being cancelled due to Public Health Orders.
It will be delivered in two stages – firstly as immediate support for organisations who were staging performances during the period covered by those Public Health Orders, and secondly to support organisations rescheduling performances once restrictions have been relaxed. Applications will open via Create NSW from next Friday, 23rd July.
“We understand the critical role the performing arts and live music sectors play in stimulating the economy and creating jobs,” commented Minister for the Arts Don Harwin in a statement. “As we work our way through the latest outbreak in NSW we want to ensure these organisations can survive the lockdown, and are ready to thrive once it is safe for restrictions to be lifted.”
NSW reported 97 new locally transmitted cases of COVID-19 today (14th July). Speaking to press today, Gladys Berejiklian announced that Greater Sydney will remain under lockdown restrictions for at least another two weeks, until Friday, 30th July at the earliest.
