APRA AMCOS today welcomes the announcement of $20 million in funding for Support Act by the Australian Government.
This funding will be critical in supporting music industry and performing arts workers struggling due to the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 lockdowns.
“Support Act has been at the coalface, providing critical support to artists and industry workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding will be vital for them to bring much-needed relief to those who have lost work, gigs and their livelihoods,” said Dean Ormston, CEO APRA AMCOS.
“Continual border closures and social distancing regulations across Australia has made restarting our part of the economy almost impossible. This has meant the livelihoods of thousands of artists and industry workers remains perilous.
“The expansion of the program to ensure those working in the broader performing arts sector illustrates how devastating the pandemic has been on the broader live music and entertainment industry. We applaud the Australian Government for ensuring this support is available to those most in need.”
APRA AMCOS will continue to work with industry colleagues and all levels of government to ensure the live music and entertainment industry is able to sustainably emerge from this pandemic.
The industry recently agreed on a five point re-opening plan which we are taking to all levels of government. It includes the need for crisis support and wage subsidy programs for individuals and businesses, a government-backed industry insurance scheme to rebuild confidence and capacity, recognition of musicians, event professionals and staff as essential workers for travel between states and territories, and best practice state and territory based 'COVID safe' policies. View the five point re-opening plan (PDF 127KB).
Support Act’s COVID-19 Crisis Relief Grant online application form, as well as other help and resources including video testimonials from current service users, can be found on the Support Act website.