The global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has caused unprecedented and wide-reaching challenges for Victoria’s creative and cultural sector. We have gathered the following information in response to pressing questions received. For further details on the latest information about Victoria's coronavirus response and restrictions, and relevant resources, visit www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au
State of Emergency extended
The current Declaration of State of Emergency has been extended through to 11.59pm 15 March 2021.
UPDATE: Victoria returns to COVIDSafe Settings
Victoria returns to COVIDSafe Settings from 11:59pm on Friday 26 February 2021. To find out what this means for the creative industries, see our Restrictions summary and Q&As. For full details of the current Victorian restrictions, visit the Victorian Government coronavirus website.
COVIDSafe Settings – Restrictions summary for the Creative Industries
COVIDSafe Plan
All workplaces with on-site operations must have a COVIDSafe Plan.
Home-based businesses must also have a COVIDSafe Plan.
Face masks
You must always carry a face mask with you when you leave home unless you have a lawful reason not to. Face masks continue to be mandatory in some locations, unless a lawful reason not to wear one applies. For a full list of settings where masks continue to be mandatory, see: Face masks.
Social gatherings
- You can have up to 30 visitors to your home per day.
- Up to 100 people can meet outdoors in a public place.
Capacity
Seated venues (indoor and outdoor)
- Seated entertainment venues (both indoor and outdoor) can have up to 75 per cent of the total fixed seated capacity of the facility, subject to the per space limits outlined below:
- For each seated space within the facility, the patron limit is the lesser of 75 per cent of the total seated capacity for that space, to a maximum of 1000 people per space. Note, venues may have more than one seated space.
- For any non-seated space within the facility, the patron limit is the lesser of the number permitted under a density quotient of one person per two square metres, if using electronic record-keeping (e.g., QR code system), or one person per four square metres if using paper-based record-keeping, to a maximum of 1000 people per space.
- There are no longer mandatory spacing requirements between groups in seated entertainment venues, however it is recommended that people maintain 1.5m distance from others where possible.
- A density quotient of one person per two square metres applies in non-seated spaces, such as foyers, bars, bathrooms etc when using electronic record-keeping. In venues not using electronic record keeping, a density quotient of one person per four square metres applies.
- Entry to, and egress from, a seated space or a non-seated space is monitored and staggered, where possible, to ensure compliance with the density quotient and capacity limits.
- Venues with capacity of greater than 500 patrons must publish a COVIDSafe Plan online.
- Arrangements for capacity over 1000 patrons per space are determined on an individual basis under the Public Events Framework.
- Density quotient and capacity limits do not apply if the venue is used exclusively by a single school.
Non-seated indoor venues
- Indoor non-seated venues (such as galleries and museums) can open with up to 50 per cent of total capacity as stated in the occupancy permit, subject to the per space limits outlined below:
- For any non-seated space within the facility, the patron limit is the lesser of the number permitted under a density quotient of one person per two square metres, if using electronic record-keeping (e.g. QR code system), or one person per four square metres if using paper-based record-keeping, to a maximum of 1000 per space.
- For seated spaces within the facility, the patron limit is the lesser of 75 per cent of the total seated capacity for that space, to a maximum of 1000 people per space.
- Dance floors can return with a density quotient of one person per four square metres up to a maximum of 50 people at one time, if the space allows.
- Density quotient of one person per two square metres when using electronic record-keeping. In venues not using electronic record-keeping (i.e. paper-based) a density quotient of one person per four square metres applies.
- Venues with capacity of greater than 500 patrons must publish a COVIDSafe Plan online.
- Arrangements for capacity over 1000 patrons per space are determined on an individual basis under the Public Events Framework.
- Arts and entertainment venues that include hospitality or retail offerings should refer to the relevant industry guidelines.
- Density quotient and capacity limits do not apply if the venue is used exclusively by a single school.
Non-seated outdoor venues
- Outdoor non-seated entertainment venues (such as sculpture parks, live museums) can open subject to each space meeting the following capacity limits:
- For any non-seated outdoor space, the patron limit is determined by a density quotient of one person per two square metres when using electronic record-keeping (otherwise one person per four square metres applies).
- For any seated outdoor space, the patron limit is 75 per cent of the total seated capacity for that space.
- For seated spaces within the facility, the patron limit is the lesser of 75 per cent of the total seated capacity for that space, to a maximum of 1000 people per space.
- No group limits.
- Venues with capacity of greater than 500 patrons must publish a COVIDSafe Plan online.
- Indoor spaces at outdoor venues can open subject to the restrictions relevant to the space (e.g. hospitality or retail).
- Arrangements for capacity over 1000 patrons per space are determined on an individual basis under the Public Events Framework.
- Density quotient and capacity limits do not apply if the venue is used exclusively by a single school.
Creative studios
- Creative arts facilities (such as studios and workshops) can operate with no patron caps and a density quotient of one person per two square metres, subject to the use of electronic record-keeping (otherwise one person per four square metres applies).
- Density quotient and capacity limits do not apply if the venue is used exclusively by a single school.
Dance floors
- Dance floors can return with a density quotient of one person per four square metres up to a maximum of 50 people at one time, if the space allows.
Return to offices
- Office-based workplaces will be able to increase the return to on-site work with up to 75 per cent of workers onsite.
- Workplaces with 40 or more workers can have 75 per cent of workers on site at any one time.
- Workplaces with fewer than 40 workers can have up to 30 workers on site at any one time.
Drive-in cinemas
- Drive-in cinemas can open. Areas outside of vehicles are subject to a density quotient of one person per two square metres, when using electronic record-keeping (otherwise one person per four square metres applies).
- Venues with capacity of greater than 500 patrons must publish a COVIDSafe Plan online.
Set-building
- Set-building for theatre, film and television must adhere to construction sector guidelines.
Record-keeping
Record-keeping for all Victorian workplaces:
- Employers must keep a record of all workers and visitors who attend the workplace for longer than 15 minutes, including first name, contact number, date and time of the visit and areas of the workplace visited.
- Employers are strongly recommended to use electronic record-keeping for this purpose. This includes the Victorian Government’s QR Code Service which is available for free to all Victorian businesses.
- Employers must keep records to show compliance with directions including all logs created during the time of directions being in force, work premises rosters, time and attendance records and payroll data.
- From 27 March, all businesses using electronic record keeping – such as a QR code – must use a system that’s compatible with the Victorian Government contact tracing system to help contact tracers respond to outbreaks even faster.
- The Victorian Government has developed an Application Programming Interface (API) that allows QR code systems to ‘speak’ with Victoria’s Department of Health (DH) contact tracing system technology.
- For more information visit the coronavirus.vic.gov.au/qrcode. You can check if your QR code provider has connected to the Government’s API by visiting coronavirus.vic.gov.au/visitationAPI.
Signage
For all Victorian workplaces:
- Where a workplace has a publicly accessible space, employers must display signage at each public entry to each indoor and outdoor space, indicating maximum capacity and face mask restrictions where required.
Cleaning
For all Victorian workplaces:
- Employers should ensure shared spaces and public spaces are cleaned with disinfectant regularly, with high touch surfaces cleaned twice each day. Shared equipment should be cleaned between uses.
Public Events Framework
Entertainment venues can apply to be considered under the Public Events Framework (PEF) where activity exceeds venue density quotients or capacity restrictions. Detailed information on the PEF can be found here.
For more detail, please see the Premier’s statement.
Victorian Travel Permit System
Victoria has established a permit system for travel into Victoria from interstate and New Zealand.
From 11:59pm on 26 February, you will need to apply for a permit to enter Victoria from anywhere in Australia or New Zealand.
The permit system is based on a traffic light system which allows for areas across Australia and New Zealand to be designated as green, orange or red according to their risk. Find more information about red, orange and green permit zones.
The permit system is for both travellers to Victoria and residents of Victoria returning home from interstate or New Zealand.
New South Wales/Victorian border communities will continue to have exceptions and will be able to use local residence identification to cross the border – such as a driver’s licence.
To apply for a Victorian Border Crossing Permit, visit the Service Victoria website.
For more information visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au.
Public health measures
Victoria returns to COVIDSafe Settings from 11:59pm on Friday 26 February 2021. To find out what this means for the creative industries, see our Restrictions summary and Q&As. For full details of the current Victorian restrictions, visit the Victorian Government’s coronavirus website.
Funding and Support
Creative Victoria is working closely with the Minister for Creative Industries on a range of support measures to help the sector through the challenges posed by coronavirus (COVID-19). This includes rolling out the Victorian Government’s dedicated creative industries support.
Prior to the pandemic, Victoria’s creative industries were worth $33.9 billion to the state economy, employing approximately 292,000 Victorians. The Victorian Government has invested more than $220 million in the State Budget through grant programs, strategic initiatives and infrastructure projects to support the creative sector’s survival and adaptation and to enable it to reactivate and rebuild.
Dedicated funding and support measures include:
- Survival funding for independent creatives, small to medium arts and cultural organisations, and micro-businesses
- Funding for First Peoples focused initiatives
- Support for the contemporary music industry, live music venues, artists, workers and businesses in Melbourne’s CBD, suburbs and throughout regional Victoria
- Investment in Victoria’s screen industry
- Capital and operational funding for state-owned cultural institutions and venues
- Support for projects to make venues COVIDSafe and enable them to present outdoor events and performances
- Activation and programming support for state-owned venues, creative organisations and events
- Regional creative infrastructure projects for regional galleries.
This is in addition to broader Victorian Government measures and funding that have provided support for creative businesses and workers.
These include the Business Support Fund, and the Working for Victoria scheme, which has supported the employment of Victorian creative industries workers through initiatives such as Creative Workers in Schools and the Regional Gallery Digitisation Project.
For current Creative Victoria funding opportunities, visit the grants and support section of our website.
Visit Financial Support for information on support available through Creative Victoria, other government programs, and creative industries grants and opportunities.
The Commonwealth Government and the Victorian Government have announced economic support packages for businesses impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19) including not for profits and sole traders.
We have compiled a summary of available programs on the Financial Support page of the COVID-19 section of our website.
We recommend that you contact Business Victoria (13 22 15 or business.vic.gov.au) for current advice and assistance.
For more information and to apply visit Business Victoria.
Creative Victoria
Creative Victoria is open to assist you, with staff working remotely. Creative Victoria has a Business Continuity Plan in place to ensure that we can continue to support and communicate with the sector through this situation, deliver programs, and make payments.
Creative Victoria’s funding programs have continued with some modifications where possible in the circumstances, especially in relation to support for international travel and public gatherings. We note that some projects may need to change given the current public health measures. We will accept changes to deliverables, KPIs and delivery platforms. Please contact program staff to discuss your project.
We have also introduced new programs to support the sector through the impacts of coronavirus (COVID-19), including:
- Victorian Music Industry Recovery Program (now closed)
- Sustaining Creative Workers (now closed)
- Organisations Strategic Investment Fund (now closed)
- Victorian Live Music Venues program (now closed)
We will continue to publish information on future funding rounds and new opportunities on our website and via our digital channels, please keep in touch by subscribing to our eNews and following us on social media.
See our Grants and Support page for information on our suite of grants programs.
My funded project has been impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19). Will I need to give the funding back?
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.
Organisations funded through the Organisations Investment, Regional Partnerships and Major Performing Arts programs will continue to receive their funding, regardless of any changes and disruptions to their activities. This funding is secure through to June 2021, December 2021 or June 2022 depending on the agreements. The funding agreements for organisations that receive operational funding as special initiatives will also be honoured.
Note: we will accept changes to deliverables, KPIs and delivery platforms. Please speak with your Client Manager about your needs.
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.
The world has changed dramatically, and rapidly, since we undertook consultation last year for Victoria’s next creative industries strategy. Right now, we are focused on assessing the impacts of coronavirus (COVID-19) and ensuring that Victorian creative institutions, organisations, events and individuals are supported.
The Creative State strategy is being reconsidered in light of the impacts of the current crisis.