With a recession looming and the government hinting we shouldn’t expect large gatherings to be allowed any time soon, it’s going to be a long road to normality for artists, musicians and the creative arts industry as a whole.
This week, more than $2 million has been donated to save Carriageworks while the Falls Festival announced an all-Australian line-up its 2021 festival to benefit local talent.
Keen to throw in your support too? Here are some ways to help.
Donate
If you want to donate, grass roots schemes have been set up for the various types of arts. You could consider how much you’d normally spend on entertainment and arts, and let that be your guide.
You can find the full list here: https://www.artshub.com.au/news-article/news/covid-19/gina-fairley/how-you-can-help-artists-hit-by-covid-19-260105
Five other ways in which you can help
1 Take online music lessons or art classes – exercise classes have moved online and so have music lessons and art classes.
2 Commission your favourite artist – stop looking at empty walls and ask a local artist to create something for it.
3 Share on social media – have you been following an artist on Instagram for a while? Share their work and encourage others to do the same. It will boost their social following and, hopefully, sales.
4 Virtual gigs – artists and institutions have found new ways to get their work out into the world. Don’t leave without a visit to the online tipping jar.
5 Gift cards – not every artist may have a gift card checkout set up but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ask. It’s a great way to help artists financially.