(Image credit: Natalie Blake | Daily Evergreen Illustration)
As our PCH Pick Me Ups series comes to a close, we wanted to share a short list of things that you can do to support artists and arts workers who have been impacted by COVID-19. When the whole world is experiencing a crisis, it’s easy to feel powerless. However, supporting artists and arts workers during this time will not only have a positive impact on individual lives and the arts industry as a whole but also help you feel like you’re making a difference.
Below are a few simple ways that you can support artists and arts workers from home. If you can do just one of the things on this list, you will be making a meaningful contribution to the arts.
Keep or donate your tickets
Where possible, keeping hold of any tickets you’ve purchased to postponed events is an easy way to support artists and arts workers during this stressful time – plus it means you’ll still get to enjoy the event once restrictions have been lifted!
If an event has been cancelled or you’re unable to attend a rescheduled event and you have the financial means to do so, you may also want to consider donating the full or partial value of your ticket to the arts organisation. Alternatively, if you know someone who can attend the event, gifting or selling them your ticket will also help keep artists and arts workers in business – just make sure that tickets to the event are transferrable first.
Attend a virtual event
As you may have noticed, many arts organisations around the world have been hosting or participating in virtual events. This past ANZAC Day, our friends at WASO delivered an outstanding performance with Australian alt-rock legends Birds of Tokyo as a part of Music from the Home Front.
Attending these events, whether they are ticketed or not, is an awesome way to show your support for the arts – not to mention they also make for fun evenings indoors! To check out a list of upcoming virtual events, click here.
Buy music, merchandise or artwork
If you have some cash to spare, buying music, merchandise or artwork directly from artists on platforms like Bandcamp will help keep them afloat during this challenging time. Some artists have their own online stores so if there’s someone you’re particularly interested in supporting, head over to their website or social media pages to find out where you can purchase their products.
Offer emotional support
As well as struggling financially, many artists and arts workers are experiencing high levels of stress and anxiety as a result of losing work. If you have friends or family in the arts industry, reach out and let them know that you’re thinking of them and that you appreciate what they do. If you can, send them a card or a care package or offer to run errands for them – even if it’s just dropping off some groceries or a coffee to their place.
The arts can’t exist without artists and arts workers, so even if you can’t be there for them in person, letting them know that they are cared for and valued will hopefully lift their spirits and encourage them to continue doing what they love in the future.
Spread the word
We understand that many people in Australia, not just those in the arts industry, are facing financial hardship, mental health challenges and other issues that may make the options listed above difficult or impossible. If you’re keen to support the arts but have limited resources, one really impactful thing you can do is to let other people know what they can do to help. Sharing this blog post on social media or simply letting a friend know about some of these options could make a real difference to the lives of artists and arts workers.
If this blog post inspired you to show your support for the arts, make sure to snap a picture of what you did, post it on Instagram and tag @perthconcerthall. We’d love to share it and keep the positive vibes going!
