Arts Centre Melbourne are providing a new digital initiative called 'Together With You', hoping to uplift, comfort, educate and entertain local and global communities during their closure as a result of coronavirus.
The programme – which went live today (9am, 6 April) features a series of free performance broadcasts, family activities, interviews, podcasts and long-form articles. There will be never-before-seen items from the Australian Performing Arts Collection and Australian Music Vault, virtual workshops, new commissions and documentaries, and some of the centre's favourite performances.
To kick things off, Arts Centre Melbourne will share interviews from the Australian Music Vault's Long Play Series, including Judith Durham AO.
For the series, the Australian Music Vault asked some of the country's trailblazers and unsung heroes to open up about their lives in music. Also includes stories from Archie Roach AM, Courtney Barnett and Michael Gudinski AM.
The first season of the Sound As Ever podcast produced by young content creators and radio makers looks into various aspects of the music industry, and the second explores and unpacks issues around iconic Australian songs such as Peter Allen's 'I Still Call Australia Home' and 'My People' by The Presets.
Arts Centre Melbourne will also provide the Liner Notes Series, an ongoing collection of stories aiming to deepen the connection between the artist and the audience. Stories include Jane Gazzo reflecting on the sophisticated and poetic songwriting of David McComb from The Triffids, and Vika and Linda Bull reflecting on their 30-year career.
"When we closed our doors we recognised the importance of the need to continue to bring the wonder and joy of performances and arts experiences to audiences," Arts Centre Melbourne CEO Claire Spencer AM says. "We hope that this programme of archival recordings and digital experiences will uplift and connect our communities, especially during the time when this is most needed."
"We may be physically apart at the moment but this doesn’t mean we need to be socially isolated. We can still come together online to find comfort and inspiration from the story-telling of the arts whether it’s through contemporary music, theatre or family activities."
