Luckily though, people like you are part of this emerging global trend that’s seeing communities unite to help others and think locally. You can show your support for the creative and live music industries in a number of ways. You can donate to Support Act - a charity delivering crisis relief to music industry workers. You can also stream, share and buy music by Australian artists, or buy their merch, or just reach out to people in the industry to make sure they’re okay. 

It’s important to keep in the know about what’s going on. Here’s a list of some events and WA venues that are not closing their doors just yet, with some are showing initiative in the way they do ‘business as usual’: 

Perth UpMarket was due to take place this weekend but instead of cancelling, they will be hosting their very first virtual market online instead. Find all the details here. 

Art Gallery of WA is remaining open and has increased hygiene and social distancing measures. But they will unfortunately be cancelling large events and have released this statement: ‘As per current advice, we are cancelling events of more than 100 people. Our programs delivered by independent volunteer groups, including our guided tours and Artist Activations are suspended until further notice. If you are attending an affected event, we will shortly be in touch.’ Read more here. 

Black Swan State Theatre Company of WA is operating business as usual and has released this statement:  ‘In response to the recent coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, in line with the advice provided by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC), as well as that of our governing industry body Live Performance Australia (LPA), Black Swan State Theatre Company of WA is operating on a ‘business as usual’ basis and has no intention to cancel any public performances at this stage.’ Read more here. 

Good news for book worms (or if you’re in isolation already) both the State Library of WA and the City of Perth Library are keeping their doors open for now, with new rules put in place. The State Library of WA has asked customers to restrict their stay in the Library to two hours, and to sit 1.5 metres from each other. While the City of Perth Library has cancelled all Library programming (including their regular activities for children) and have suspended all meeting room bookings and auditorium hire. Their cleaning measures have been increased, and they’ve moved furniture to encourage social distancing. 

PICA’s Galleries will remain open to the public with their regular hours until further notice, releasing this statement: ‘To prevent the spread of illness, we are sanitising commonly touched areas daily, as well as encouraging visitors to wash their hands regularly, and staff to stay at home if they are ill. We remind our staff, artists, and audiences to stay mindful of the advice given by government health authorities.’ Read more here.