The global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has caused wide-reaching challenges for Victoria’s creative and cultural sector of a scale and nature we've never experienced before.
Creative Victoria is monitoring this evolving situation and its impacts on our creative community, and we are doing everything we can to provide support during these anxious and uncertain times.
On this site, you'll find information to help you navigate the current environment, including avenues for support and useful resources.
State of Emergency extended
The current Declaration of State of Emergency has been extended through to 11.59pm 29 January 2021.
Update: New restrictions apply in Victoria
With new confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19), new restrictions are now in place to keep Victoria safe.
As of 5pm on 31 December:
- the number of people who can visit you in your home per day has been reduced to 15 from 30 (babies under the age of 12 months are not included in the cap)
- Face masks must be worn when in indoor spaces (other than private residences), on public transport, and in commercial passenger vehicles, apart from when eating or drinking, unless a lawful reason not to wear one applies. Masks are strongly recommended in the home if people other than your immediate household are present.
We all need to be COVIDSafe - avoid hugging and kissing, practice good hand hygiene and if you are sick, get tested and stay home.
Visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au for more information.
Update: Victorian Border Crossing Permit
Victoria’s border with New South Wales is closed. A permit and exemption system is in place for people travelling from New South Wales to Victoria. For details visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au.
Victoria's COVIDSafe Summer
Victoria’s COVIDSafe Summer restrictions apply from 11.59pm on Sunday 6 December (see Premier Daniel Andrews’ announcement). These restrictions are expected to be in place for summer and will be reviewed regularly to ensure they reflect current health advice.
See our Restrictions summary and Q&As to learn more about what this means for the creative industries.
For a full run down of current Victorian restrictions, visit the Victorian Government’s coronavirus website.
We are in the process of updating out Q&As to reflect any changes for the creative industries as information becomes available.
Industry Restart Guidelines available now
With the latest easing of restrictions, more Victorian creative organisations, businesses and venues can reopen and return to work. It is important for businesses and employers to understand their obligations and how to keep their workers, artists, audiences, patrons and the wider community safe.
Industry Restart Guidelines have been updated to reflect the latest easing of restrictions under COVIDSafe Summer. The guidelines, covering Museums and Galleries, and Indoor Entertainment Venues (including cinemas, performing arts and music venues) and Outdoor Entertainment Attractions and Experiences are available to download from the Arts and entertainment Services page on the Victorian Government’s coronavirus website.
Creative venues, museums and galleries with a retail or hospitality space should consult the relevant industry guidelines. Set building for theatre, film and television must adhere to construction sector guidelines.
COVIDSafe signage and resources for your workplace
As Victoria continues to open up and return to business, it's vital that venues and workplaces are COVIDSafe. The Victorian Government has created a collection of templates, questionnaires, signage and other resources to assist. Download and display these resources in your workplace and on your social media, visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au
View these resources
Support Act Wellbeing Helpline
The Support Act Wellbeing Helpline is a completely confidential and free of charge 24/7 phone counselling service.
Simply phone 1800 959 500 to speak with an experienced, qualified clinician about any aspect of your mental health and wellbeing. You can make an appointment, or request to speak to someone immediately.
Questions and answers for the creative industries
We have gathered the following information in response to questions about the current situation, its impacts on our creative industries, organisations and individuals, and available support.
Victoria’s COVIDSafe Summer restrictions apply from 11.59pm on Sunday 6 December (see Premier Daniel Andrews’ announcement). These restrictions are expected to be in place for the summer period and will be reviewed regularly to ensure they reflect current health advice.
See our Restrictions summary and Q&As to learn more about what this means for the creative industries.
For a full run down of current Victorian restrictions, visit the Victorian Government’s coronavirus website.
If you are a current funding recipient and you will not be able to deliver on your project, or your plans have been affected, please contact Creative Victoria program staff. We understand these are drastically changed circumstances and will provide as much flexibility as possible, including changes to deliverables, KPIs and delivery platforms
Please get in touch with your client manager or funding program staff to discuss your needs. If you don’t know who best to speak with, contact our reception email and general telephone line and you will be directed to the right place.
Given these extraordinary circumstances we will be as flexible as possible with reporting and acquittals, please contact program staff to discuss your needs.
For organisations that receive funding through the Organisations Investment Program, outcomes reporting for 2020 has been suspended.
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