Event cancellations sees Sydney's Carriageworks calling in of administrators

Event cancellations sees Sydney’s Carriageworks calling in of administrators

May 4, 2020

Sydney cultural centre Carriageworks has been forced to call in administrators as a result of the cancellation of dozens of events due to the Coronavirus outbreak.

The company and venue, known for its live performances and art exhibits, announced it had called in voluntary administrators KPMG on this evening (Monday 4th May).

In a statement the organisation said 75% of its revenue was generated outside of government funding, mainly through onsite events and programs.

The statement advised "the sudden cancellation or postponement of six months of activities due to restrictions on public gatherings has resulted in an irreparable loss of income."

Carriageworks, which is one of the largest contemporary multi-arts centres in Australia, is among a swathe of arts organisations across the country that have felt the pressure under Coronavirus restrictions.

Since March, major events including the Sydney Writers' Festival, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia and the design event Semi Permanent, part of the VIVID program, have all been cancelled or postponed.

Advising that the organisation would usually attract one million visitors a year to its site in Redfern and up to 5,000 people to its weekend Farmers Market, Carriageworks Chief Executive, Blair French stated "with restrictions on social gatherings likely to remain in place for some time to come, the Board determined that it had no alternative but to place the company into Voluntary Administration.

Explaining that almost half of the precinct's core staff had been stood down, with those remaining to move to a three-day week in recent weeks, French added "focusing on essential work only we have been striving to find a way through the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown."

On Monday the organisation appointed Phil Quinlan and Morgan Kelly from accounting firm, KPMG, as Voluntary Administrators.

The NSW Government has yet to announce any form of package to support organisations impacted by the Coronavirus crisis.

Image shows artists' studios at Sydney's Carriageworks.

26th April 2020 - Arts groups call for Federal Government action over Coronavirus hit to industry

25th April 2020 - NSW Government to spend $20 million on public spaces in Sydney’s inner west

17th April 2020 - Prime Minister Morrison outlines plans for lifting of Coronavirus restrictions

16th April 2020 - ABS survey shows ‘arts and recreation’ businesses as being hardest hit by Coronavirus pandemic

16th April 2020 - Coronavirus hit arts industry needs $750 million rescue package

10th April 2020 - NSW Arts Minister resigns after Coronavirus lockdown breach

7th January 2020 - Carriageworks launch immersive and participatory large-scale art installations

15th November 2019 - NSW Government approves funding for redevelopment of Walsh Bay arts precinct

20th June 2019 - Carriageworks to celebrate 2019 Naidoc Week with Klub Koori

28th May 2019 - Carriageworks names Blair French as new Chief Executive

15th February 2019 - Carriageworks and Kaldor Public Art Projects partner for major art presentation

8th December 2018 - Carriageworks announce New Public Artwork commissioned for South Eveleigh

20th November 2018 - Carriageworks unveils its most ambitious visual arts project

13th November 2018 - Carriageworks commences search for new Director

29th November 2017 - Carriageworks announces 1.2 million visits for 2017

19th December 2016 - Carriageworks to open 12 new artist studios, creative industry and community spaces in January

14th March 2016 - Carriageworks unveils $50 million venue expansion plans

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