LPA CEO Evelyn Richardson has written to the Minister for the Arts Paul Fletcher calling on government to ready funds for the industry and its tens of thousands of employees to counter the loss of income, jobs and investment caused by any disruption due to the health crisis.
“Live performance is a big driver of our visitor economy in both metropolitan and regional areas, so should be front and center of any government package to address the economic costs of the coronavirus outbreak,” Richardson said. Guided by the official health advice, it’s currently “business as usual” for the market’s theaters, live music venues and festivals, Richardson notes, “although we are keeping a very careful watch on what is a rapidly evolving situation."
According to the trade body, the live performance industry contributes more than A$2.5 billion annually to the national economy, and employs more than 34,000 staff.