Live Performance Australia's big plan for the post-Rona arts industry
Live Performance Australia has developed a $345 million plan to kickstart the live performance industry following the Coronavirus shutdown.
They’re calling for capital investment in performing arts companies and productions, extending income support to businesses and individuals, and incentives to encourage Australians to support live events.
“As we enter the 12th week of shutdowns due to the public health response, it’s well and truly time for the Federal Government to get behind Australia’s arts and entertainment industry and deliver a comprehensive and properly funded plan so our world-class industry can get back to work,” said LPA Chief Executive Evelyn Richardson.
“A
gradual re-opening process is not commercially viable for most of our industry.
“We can’t re-open venues that only have dozens in the audience. That’s why we will need a sustained and strategic investment by government to get our industry up and running again.” - Evelyn Richardson, LPA
The LPA’s two-year plan includes:
$90 million Business Reactivation Fund, covering
capital investments to restart and market productions and tours
support for arts-allied workers like such as production and technical businesses, stage-hands, riggers, video, sound and lighting specialists)
Community Engagement Fund to support regional venues engaging local communities to develop work
Australian Music Recovery Fund
funding to help the industry operate in a ‘COVID safe’ way
funding for digital and technology innovation
$70 million in additional support for the Australia Council
Reconnecting Aussies with live performance events through a $55 million ‘See It Live’ household e-voucher scheme
travel incentives to attract international visitors to attend live events in Australia.
“It will take time for the live performance industry to rebuild, so we also need to continue to provide income support through programs such as JobKeeper and JobSeeker for industry workers who have been displaced by COVID-19,” Ms Richardson said.
“Our $4 billion industry will be a major driver of economic activity, jobs and cultural tourism recovery.”
“Our number one priority is getting our venues open and our people back to work. We look forward to working closely with governments at all levels to make this happen in the coming months.
“Getting our theatres open in spring is our first priority followed by our larger events such as concerts and music festivals. Our Kiwi cousins are back in theatres in the next two weeks with no physical distancing, so we believe our September timeframe is very achievable.”
