The global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is causing 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.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) roadmap to reopening
On Sunday 6 September, the Premier announced Victoria’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) roadmap to reopening, comprising five steps to reach a COVID normal.
This includes information on the safe and steady easing of restrictions across how we live, learn and work.
Visit https://www.vic.gov.au/roadmap for details of the metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria roadmaps and industry-specific information, including for creative studios, indoor and outdoor entertainment venues, museums and galleries, and media and film productions.
Further creative industries specific guidance, developed in consultation with the sector, will be available in the days and weeks ahead and we will continue to keep you updated.
For information on current restriction levels in metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria, visit the Department of Health and Human Services website.
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.
State of Emergency and State of Disaster declarations are in place in Victoria until 11.59pm on 11 October 2020. These measures give the Chief Health Officer and Victoria Police the powers they need to respond rapidly to the pandemic in line with the latest data and public health advice.
On Sunday 6 September, the Premier announced Victoria’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) roadmap to reopening, outlining the steps to reach a COVID normal.
This includes information on the safe and steady easing of restrictions across how we live, learn and work.
- From Monday 14 September 2020, Roadmap – Step 1 restrictions are in place for metropolitan Melbourne.
- From 11.59pm on Wednesday 16 September 2020 Roadmap – Step 3 restrictions are in place for regional Victoria.
Visit https://www.vic.gov.au/roadmap for details of the metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria roadmaps and industry-specific information, including for creative studios, indoor and outdoor entertainment venues, museums and galleries, and media and film productions.
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.
Latest news
Opening soon
Business Support Fund grants up to $20,000
Supporting creatives to work, build capacity and adapt
Grants totalling $2.3 million will directly support 373 independent creatives and micro-businesses across the state.
15 September - Coronavirus - (COVID-19)
Information and updates on this rapidly changing situation.
COVID-19 Audience Outlook Monitor report
Results from coronavirus (COVID-19) arts audience tracking study
Safeguarding Victoria's iconic cultural experiences
Funding of $32.3 million announced for the state's creative and cultural sector.
Creative Industries Q&As
Your questions about the current situation and support answered.