No images? Click here This eNews will be among many you receive that addresses COVID-19 but we also have sector opportunities and local success stories to share and some ways to experience the best in arts, creativity and culture in times of social distancing. From the Chief ExecutiveThis is a sombre edition of enews in these unprecedented and challenging times. Our creative community is feeling the impacts of the necessary measures in place to manage the spread of the global COVID-19 pandemic and keep Victorians safe. As always, the creative sector has responded responsibly, proactively and compassionately, despite the great repercussions for so many individuals, organisations and businesses. Earlier this week, the Premier declared a State of Emergency in Victoria and there have been regular updates from federal and state governments in relation to public events, international travel and social distancing. We are closely monitoring these developments and providing updates via our website and social media channels. Creative Victoria’s offices remain open. We continue to provide client management for our supported organisations and projects and advice for funding applicants. The assessment process for our recent funding rounds continues, our cultural infrastructure projects are progressing and we currently have two programs open for applications. Please continue to get in touch if you are concerned about the potential impact of COVID-19 on your funded project or your funding application, and we’ll continue to update you with any changes or new opportunities. We face uncertain times and many challenges, but we face them together. Working with the Minister for Creative Industries, the sector and our national and state colleagues, we will do whatever we can to support Victoria’s creative community. Through this all, we continue to see the ingenuity and incredible spirit that drives our creative sector as it continues to find new and unusual ways to bring art to the public when they need it most. Andrew Abbott Coronavirus (COVID-19) UpdateCreative Victoria is monitoring the rapidly changing situation with regard to COVID-19 and its impacts on the creative industries across the state. We continue to update our website with the latest advice from health authorities and government, including information Victoria’s State of Emergency and measures in relation to public events and gatherings and travel. Creative Victoria news in briefFunding secure for Creative Victoria funded organisationsMinister for Creative Industries Martin Foley confirmed funding for more than 90 arts and cultural organisations supported through Creative Victoria until the end of 2021, providing some certainty during these uncertain times. Cultural institutions temporarily closeVictoria’s state-owned cultural institutions are among several Victorian creative organisations to have announced the temporary closure of their venues and cancellation of events and programs from Monday 16 March in response to COVID-19. Hotline help for businessThe pandemic is creating issues for businesses large and small. Business Victoria's hotline is available for business of all sizes - including creative businesses, not for profit organisations, and sole traders, as well as those looking to get an ABN. Hotline staff will provide the latest information about support services, including how to access financial support available through the national stimulus package, advice on how to plan and deal with the current situation and access to Business Victoria mentoring to help operators develop their business continuity and recovery plans. Contact the Business Victoria hotline on 13 22 15. Business Victoria resources can also be accessed online at business.vic.gov.au Support for creative industriesWith the current bans on public gatherings and events, the cancellations of festival, progams and events, and the temporary closure of venues, our creative industries are seriously impacted. If you're struggling with your mental health and need immediate support you can phone Beyond Blue any time on 1300 224 636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14. The Support Act Wellbeing Helpline is a free, confidential counselling service open to anyone working in Australian music or the performing arts - 1800 959 500. Creative Victoria grant programsWe understand that the impacts of COVID-19 are far reaching and uncertain. If you have received Creative Victoria funding or you have a current application and your project has been - or will be - affected, please contact program staff. Staff contacts for all of our funding programs are listed at the bottom of the web page for each program or contact our reception line on 03 8683 3100 or freecall (regional Victoria only) 1800 134 894. Cancellation - Music Works - Quick ResponseDue to the new measures in place nationally around mass public gatherings and international travel, the April round of Music Works Quick Response will not go ahead. The funding will be redirected to the broader Music Works program to support Victoria’s contemporary music industry. Unlocking Capacity - deadline extendedIndependent performing arts producers can apply for grants of up to $35,000 per annum for up to three years. Funding can be used by producers to build skills and networks and develop a sustainable practice. Applications close 5pm, 2 April 2020 First Peoples Investment ProgramGrants are available to support First Peoples in Victoria working across all creative forms to develop their skills, create something new or connect to Country. Applications close 5pm, 15 April, 2020 Industry news and opportunitiesHas COVID-19 impacted your work?Two national surveys are underway to understand, and quantify the impacts of COVID-19 on the creative sector. The National Association for the Visual Arts is asking artists to complete a short survey to help understand the impact and identify immediate needs. The I Lost My Gig survey seeks data from performers, production crew, hospitality workers, managers, booking agents and more whose work has been affected. Music, sound, performance residency for womenApplications are now open for Chamber Made's 2020 'Orange House by the Sea Artist Residency' in the Bellarine Peninsula for mid-career women and non-binary artists. Artists working at the intersections of music, sound and performance who are keen to develop or test a new work, ideas, collaborations or an aspect of practice have until 14 April 2020 to apply. Create a public artworkAs part of a major redevelopment project in Ballarat's CBD, experienced artists are being sought to create a contemporary artwork that will help to celebrate and reflect on the history of the Ballarat Railway Station Precinct. The artwork will utilise salvaged heritage railway track to help create a sense of place and honour the heritage significance of the site. Expressions of Interest are due by 14 April 2020. Success storiesRichard WattsCongratulations to Victorian arts journalist and champion Richard Watts, awarded the Sidney Myer Award Facilitator's Prize for his services to creative sector. Sampa the GreatEarlier this month Melbourne-based musician Sampa the Great made history by becoming the first person to win the Australian music prize twice. Goose grabs goldUntitled Goose Game by Victorian digital games company House House continued its run of success taking out this year's Game of the Year award at the 2020 Game Developers Choice Award. This year's online-only live streamed event celebrated games from across the globe by some of the biggest games companies. Access the arts - from anywhereAmid closures and cancellations, the creative community is rallying to ensure that there is still plenty of art and inspiration available online. Below is just a taste of what's on offer. Please contact us with information about your initiatives and we'll promote them via Creative Victoria's channels. Melbourne Symphony Orchestra is keeping the music going by live streaming its scheduled shows - for free. National Gallery Victoria has gone virtual with online tours, ebooks and activities for children. Visit the NGV Channel or look for #NGVEveryDay on NGV's social media. It's time to stream big! Support artists with cancelled gigs and lost income by streaming Music Victoria's playlist featuring local musicians. Image Credits: CV news: State Library Victoria. Industry news: Orange House by the Sea, Chamber Made residency. Ballarat Railway Station. Success stories: Richard Watts at the Sidney Myer Performing Arts Awards. Sampa the Great. Untitled Goose Game. Access the Arts: Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. National Gallery Victoria. Baker Boy |