Victorian musicians, game developers, filmmakers, writers, galleries and fashion labels are among the first tranche of beneficiaries from the Victorian Government’s Sustaining Creative Workers initiative.
Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley recently announced more than $2.4 million in grants to support almost 400 Victorian creative workers, organisations and micro-businesses to undertake activities that will enable the sector to rebuild and bounce back from the coronavirus pandemic.
Demonstrating the breadth of Victoria’s creative community, the recipients include rapper BIRDZ, fashion labels Strateas Carlucci, Yeojin Bae and Gwendolynne, south-west Victoria’s Find Your Voice—All Abilities Choir, authors Jock Serong and Nam Lee, game developer Paper House, artist Lisa Roet, children’s group The Listies and industrial designer Girius Antanaitis.
Some artists and businesses will create work to launch when restrictions ease while others respond to the new environment with initiatives such as a ‘drive-in’ performance at the Newstead Racecourse or a performance delivered to audiences over the phone.
”We’re proud to be backing local creative workers and businesses to ensure they can keep operating and creating through to the other side of this pandemic”
— Martin Foley
The creative industries employ 280,000 people in Victoria and contribute $31 billion to the state’s economy. It is among the hardest hit sectors, with venue closures, screen industry shutdowns and event cancellations leaving thousands of creative practitioners and associated trades out of work and leading to millions in lost revenue.
This first tranche of activities will see artists focus on expanding business skills, purchasing streaming equipment or creating online stores to expand their markets. Others will respond to the crisis by hosting online launch events and virtual publicity tours or by adapting cancelled shows into podcasts, audio plays or online exhibitions.
To future-proof their businesses, many will use this time to upskill staff in new technologies, adapt their studios to include livestreaming capabilities, explore how to present events with both online and live components and to establish new supply chains where all materials can be sourced, and created, onshore.
The $4.2 million Sustaining Creative Workers initiative is a quick-response grants program that is part of the Victorian Government’s $51.1 million response to safeguard our renowned creative sector and keep creatives working.
Delivered in partnership with Regional Arts Victoria and Arts Access Victoria, rolling assessments are continuing.
Foley said, “We’re proud to be backing local creative workers and businesses to ensure they can keep operating and creating through to the other side of this pandemic. This is vital support to protect jobs, help our creative businesses to rebound and recover, and maintain Victoria’s position as the creative state—and all the benefits that brings.”
Follow The Indian Sun on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
