From today, Support Act are providing individual cash grants to performing arts professionals on top of the music workers the music industry charity usually supports.
After recently welcoming an additional $20m of funding from the Australian Government’s Office for the Arts, the funding came with a request from Government to incorporate live performing arts workers into the music industry COVID-19 Crisis Relief Grants.
Performing arts workers eligible for this grant include performing artists and creatives; production and technical crew; management and administration. A list of included occupations is available on the FAQ page of Support Act’s website.
To be eligible for a COVID-19 Crisis Relief Grant, performing arts workers must:
- be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or have a valid working visa
- prove that they have been working professionally in the performing arts industry for three years
- provide names and details of two professional referees
- have household expenses greater than their household income
The grants are made as one-off cash payments to eligible individuals working professionally in the performing arts. They are valued at $2,000 for individuals and $2,700 for families with dependent children.
“There are thousands of performing arts workers who will benefit from a COVID-19 Relief Grant, whether they work as performers, creatives, crew or in administrative or producing roles,” says Nicole Beyer, CEO of Theatre Network Australia.
“We all want to look ahead to a time when we can experience the thrill of live performing arts again across Australia, and these grants will help us get there.”
Support Act CEO, Clive Miller, says they are grateful to the Australian Government for providing the urgently needed funds to help ease the burden that many music and performing arts workers are experiencing.
“All live music and performing arts workers are feeling the impact of the current lockdowns and restrictions,” he says.
To apply for a COVID-19 Crisis Relief Grant, visit Support Act’s website.
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