Artists and arts workers are seeing their work evaporate. MAV recognises that jobs in the industry will be scarce for the immediate future as self-generated income disappears.
Along with our counterparts in the sector we are urging governments to provide urgent support.
In the meantime, here are some ways that may assist you at this critical time.
Also, there is a Facebook group, ‘Australian Arts amidst COVID-19‘, that has updated info and tips for artists and arts workers during this period (info organised under tags on the right-hand side).
Here is a useful guide about improving mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
SBS is committed to informing all Australians about the latest coronavirus developments.
News and information about coronavirus (COVID-19) is available in 63 languages.
This guide sets out various assistance initiatives that are being provided by Federal and State/Territory governments in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In order to assist artists and arts workers, the guide is ordered as follows:
The intention is for this to be a “live” document, updated as circumstances change.
Support to reopen or adapt existing creative spaces for professional creatives who have been affected by COVID-19; and support for creatives with equipment or rental subsidies. This program is open to projects in these 8 local government areas: City of Yarra; City of Moreland; City of Port Philip; City of Melbourne; Ballarat City Council; Geelong City Council; Mt Alexander Shire; and Surf Coast Shire.
Stream 1: Applications may be accepted for requests up to $25,000 for infrastructure upgrades, rental subsidy, and/or equipment for creative spaces led and run by First Peoples.
Stream 2: Applications may be accepted for requests up to $25,000 for infrastructure upgrades, rental subsidy, and/or equipment for collectives, micro-organisations, businesses and LGAs.
Stream 3: Applications may be accepted for requests up to $3,000 for equipment and/or rental subsidies only for sole traders, freelancers and businesses.
Applications close 22 March 2021 5pm
CREATIVE INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT GRANTS
An opportunity for artists to propose new projects to be undertaken with ArtPlay for children and families, for new work between $10,000-$20,000. Four projects will be supported. One of these will be a project that engages culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) families with children 1 to 5 years of age and we strongly encourage artists and producers from CALD backgrounds to apply. Please note that this project is required to work with the same group of families over the course of the project and it must be delivered July to September – with a showing as part of Children’s Week 23 to 31 October 2021 (exact dates to be confirmed).
EOIs open now. Close Friday 26 March 2021 5pm
Financial assistance of up to $10,000 to support projects and events which support the wider City of Whittlesea community to reconnect.
Applications open: Monday 15 March 2021 Close: Friday 23 April 2021
WHITTLESEA RECONNECTION GRANTS
Grants of up to $2000 to groups and individuals to support projects which showcase and celebrate the diverse cultural heritage of the City of Whittlesea and its residents. Eligible applicants include cultural, historical, recreational groups and community agencies provided they are not-for-profit or educational facilities and/or individuals who have an ABN. The program is open to a broad range of projects that directly benefit the City of Whittlesea community.
Applications open: 22 February 2021 Close: 22 March 2021
$2,000 – $20,000 one-off support for new marketing projects designed to build or re-establish audiences following the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Applications close: 4 March 2021
Identity, Inclusion and Connection Grants are expected to contribute to a sense of community identity, inclusion and connectedness between Wyndham residents, and to building a resilient community that supports good mental health and emotional wellbeing. Up to $5,000.
Applications open: 10 February 2021 Close: 15 March 2021 3pm
Arts organisations, creative businesses and live music venues are invited to apply for an Arts Recovery Partnership Grant, with funding of up to $25,000 available per application and a total funding pool of $140,000. These grants are to support adaption and experimentation within Darebin’s local creative, arts, and live music industries in a COVID-safe way.
Applications close: 4 March 2021 at 5pm.
One year pilot project aims to transform empty spaces into vibrant places on Fitzroy Street, St Kilda. If you create or make your own wares or IP, run a creative based community group, social enterprise or NFP and are seeking low cost or rent free space you may qualify for this activation project.
Applications Now Open
If any artists of colour/CALD artists are experiencing extreme hardship, please contact us for advice at office@mav.org.au
Most importantly, please take the health and safety of our community seriously, and practise social distancing, and self-isolation if you are unwell to slow the spread of COVID-19. For more information about COVID-19, click here.
MAV is following the advice of federal and state governments on social distancing, by supporting our staff to work from home. As such, the office phone will be unattended for the foreseeable future.
Please stay in contact with us however, by email and mobile phones.
(All MAV staff emails are available here)
We are keen to hear from you, especially if you need additional support.
For any enquiries contact MAV at office@mav.org.au.
Image: Interwoven. Photo by Shane Carey