As Australia comes to terms with the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic, stark realities are setting in for all facets of society.
The music industry has not been spared, with countless thousands left facing an uncertain future.Support Act is an Australian charity who help artists, roadies and music workers in crisis.
Founded in 1997, Support Act last month launched the COVID-19 Emergency Appeal calling on music lovers to help Australia's music industry through this crisis period by giving if they can. So far, the appeal has raised just under $250k.
"Support Act is committed to doing what it can to help those in need, but our resources are limited. We urgently need to fundraise in excess of $5 million dollars to begin providing even a modest level of crisis relief to people who have been impacted." If you are able to donate, click here.
The recently launched website I Lost My Gig's – a co-ordinated response by the Australian Music Industry Network and the Australian Festivals Association to develop initiatives focussed on supporting workers experiencing loss of income as a result of extensive event cancellations and postponements – latest tally (as of 11am EST 27 March) of lost income resulting from COVID-19 was at $325 million.
Support Act is Australia’s only charity delivering crisis relief services to artists, crew and music workers as a result of ill health, injury, a mental health problem, or some other crisis that impacts on their ability to work in music.
Established in 1997, their goal is to provide breathing space to help members of the music industry to get back on track when they have hit a tough patch.
Their assistance can take the form of paying the rent or the mortgage, buying a bed or wheel chair, paying for car repairs, medical/ dental/ phone/ electricity bills, or a credit card debt. We provide referrals to other support services; funding for funerals; and we support friends and family seeking to raise funds for an artist or music worker in crisis through our Help a Mate programme.
Established in 1997, their goal is to provide breathing space to help members of the music industry to get back on track when they have hit a tough patch.
Their assistance can take the form of paying the rent or the mortgage, buying a bed or wheel chair, paying for car repairs, medical/ dental/ phone/ electricity bills, or a credit card debt. We provide referrals to other support services; funding for funerals; and we support friends and family seeking to raise funds for an artist or music worker in crisis through our Help a Mate programme.
