
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.
There are unfortunately a lot of events that’ve had to cancel or reschedule. Before we get into it, we'd like to encourage those of you who can afford it to go without your refund to cancelled events, and to please do hold onto those tickets if your event has been rescheduled.
Perth Theatre Trust (which covers events in the Perth Concert Hall, His Majesty’s Theatre, State Theatre of WA, Subiaco Arts Centre, Albany Entertainment Centre & Perth Cultural Centre) is working closely with promoters to review cancellations and process ticketing refunds. They’ve announced that ticketholders will be contacted directly by the ticketing team or the promoter. As there will be a large number of refunds required, it’s best to check on your venue’s website for the latest updates. Read more here.
Although WA Opera hasn’t released a statement, they’ve cancelled all performances until May. Keep an eye on their channels for updates.
The WA Ballet have and postponed a number of performance seasons, events and activities. And has released this statement: ‘West Australian Ballet now invites those with tickets to affected seasons to consider donating the cost of your ticket to the Company. West Australian Ballet is a not-for-profit and now faces hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost revenue which will affect the future of the Company, including future programming, the amount of Access and Education programs delivered, and the longevity of our art-form along with the incredible ability of dance to enrich lives around Western Australia and beyond.’
All WASO concert performances have been suspended until the end of April, and they’ve released this statement: ‘Ticket holders will be contacted directly on what they can do to arrange exchanges to alternate events or refunds. For those patrons who cannot exchange tickets but would like to support our mission to touch souls and enrich lives through music, please consider donating part or all of the value of your tickets back to WASO so that we can let the music play on from May.’
All of this year's WA Day celebrations have been cancelled, including the festival at Burswood, the festival at Fremantle, the regional events and SOTA music festival, as well as the Western Australian of the Year Awards. Some good news is that entries for the awards will be carried through to 2021.
The 2020 Perth Comedy Festival has been cancelled, however please keep an eye on the artists who were due to perform, who will be trying to arrange new shows later in the year.
With the Rooftop Movies due to finish its season on Saturday 28 March, organisers have decided to close their doors early and no more sessions will be going ahead.
Diner en Blanc was due to take place on 4 April and has been postponed until Saturday 7 November.
The Perth Night Noodle Markets, due to be held in Yagan square during March and April, has been cancelled for 2020. The smaller Perth Good Food Month events will still be taking place at this stage.
The Perth Festival has decided to cancel the rest of the season of Lotterywest Films at UWA Somerville, but the remaining performances of Black Swan State Theatre Company’s Cloudstreet at His Majesty’s Theatre will continue as planned. The Festival’s ongoing visual arts program will continue as scheduled, pending further advice.
The City of Perth has made the decision to postpone Heritage Perth Weekend – Boorloo Kwedjang Bardip Yanginy to April 2021. Check out Heritage Perth Facebook page for more details.
In these uncertain times for the arts industry there are still some ways you can do your bit to help:
1. If you have a ticket for a cancelled event, please consider donating the value of that ticket back to an arts organisation or an artist if you can afford to.
2. Add your voice to the #livesupport campaign on social media and share stories of how you are currently being impacted. Copy your local elected representative.
3. Add details of your cancelled gig to ilostmygig.net.au so that the industry can quantify the growing impact.
Please get in touch with us for any further cancellations or announcements related to Perth’s arts and culture events: visitperth@cityofperth.com.au.
If you or someone you know needs support, there is help available:
Support Act Helpline: 1800 959 500
Lifeline Hotline: 13 11 14 or text their helpline on 0477 13 11 14
- 20 Mar '20