Live Performance Australia commends Western Australian Government for shared risk funding

August 7, 2020

Live Performance Australia (LPA) has commended the Western Australian Government's $15 million funding earmarked for a ‘Getting the Show back on the Road’ shared risk package to support the reactivation of live performances and touring activities.

The package includes venue hire waivers for local performing arts companies for free access to State Government venues, and up to $9 million to help underwrite COVID-19 related financial risks for live music and performance.

As part of the comprehensive $76 million arts and culture package unveiled by the Western Australian Government, the State Government’s innovative ‘Getting the Show back on the Road’ shared risk package will help the live performance industry manage risk associated with reopening during COVID-19.

LPA Chief Executive, Evelyn Richardson advises “while states such as WA have achieved great results in suppressing COVID-19 and been able to relax restrictions, Victoria’s stage 4 shutdown and ongoing concerns about clusters in NSW highlight the persistent threat posed by COVID-19.”

Richardson notes that LPA applauds the Western Australian Government’s approach in “developing this shared risk package in consultation with our industry.

“There is significant commercial risk involved with restarting or scheduling new productions or festivals as long as there is potential for venue and event closures or other restrictions which are imposed to deal with further outbreaks of COVID-19.

“The Commonwealth Government and other states and territories should follow WA’s lead in designing similar shared risk support measures to give the live performance industry greater confidence to plan and prepare for reopening in their jurisdictions.

“We have asked Federal Government to consider extending the Temporary Interruption Fund for the screen industry, or a similar model, to the live performance sector, given we face very similar challenges in securing insurance against COVID-19 related disruptions.

‘’It is not commercially viable for major productions to resume with current social distancing requirements. In the event these are relaxed, the prospect of future disruption for production or touring seasons remains a major obstacle to being able to confidently restart and rebuild our industry.”

6th August 2020 - Western Australian Government announces $76 million arts and culture recovery package

9th April 2020 - LPA welcomes additional arts support but highlights much more is needed

4th April 2020 - LPA believes funding still not enough to prevent decimation of live performance industry

23rd March 2020 - LPA seeks targeted financial stimulus for live performance industry

20th March 2020 - LPA concerned over Government’s inaction in helping cultural sector survive Coronavirus crisis

17th March 2020 - LPA calls for $850 million live performance support and stimulus package

15th March 2020 - LPA calls for urgent confirmation on timeframe for government’s ban on public events

3rd December 2019 - LPA reports live performance industry drives cultural economy but growth rate slowing

4th June 2020 - Live Performance Australia’s $345 million plan to restart and rebuild the entertainment industry

5th May 2020 - Live Performance Australia slams NSW Government’s lack of support for cultural sector in crisis during Coronavirus crisis

13th March 2020 - Live Performance Australia calls for urgent government action to protect $2.5 billion industry

11th March 2020 - Live Performance Australia release Coronavirus statement

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16th December 2019 - Live Performance Australia says industry is waiting for Viagogo to communicate

4th December 2019 - Live Performance Australia seeks answers from Google as Viagogo advertising returns

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