Arts Hub, Richard Watts
22 Jan 2021

“Theatre Network Australia (TNA) Executive Director, Nicole Beyer, told ArtsHub: ‘TNA supports the call for a continuation of a targeted wage subsidy for theatre, circus and dance along with the music industry, whether it’s JobKeeper or a new initiative. 

‘The recent outbreaks and subsequent restrictions to live events and performances show that we are nowhere near a COVID-normal situation. Most companies have still not returned to full-scale operation and cannot yet budget for full audience capacity. To have a percentage of wage subsidy will give confidence to be able to re-open amidst the continuing uncertainty. 

‘We also emphasise the importance of JobKeeper for sole-traders – many performers, writers, directors, and crew operate in this way and many of them are still out of work, or are only getting a small amount of work. If JobKeeper ends in March we will see a number of sole-traders going under, which will have a knock- on effect for organisations and festivals across the country,’ Beyer said. 

TNA’s call for a continuation of JobKeeper or other targeted wage subsidy is also endorsed by Ausdance, BlakDance, Diversity Arts Australia, the First Nations Performing Arts sector, Live Performance Australia, Performing Arts Connections Australia, Regional Arts Australia and Symphony Services Australia. 

TNA has extended its crisis cash campaign until the end of March. Performing arts workers experiencing hard times due to COVID-19 are encouraged to apply for a one-off $1000 bursary.”

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