The global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is causing unprecedented and wide-reaching challenges for Victoria’s creative and cultural sector. We have gathered the following information in response to pressing questions received.
With the introduction of Stage 4 restrictions in metropolitan Melbourne and Stage 3 restrictions in regional Victoria, we know there are many questions about what the new measures mean across the creative industries. We’re seeking clarification on a number of points and will continue to update this page as new information and questions are received.
We will continue to update this page as new information and questions are received. If you have a question that isn’t covered here, please contact us.
The following information is correct as at 7 August 2020.
Further information about the current restriction levels and next steps can be found on the Department of Health and Human Services website.
Public health measures
A State of Disaster has been declared in Victoria from 6pm on Sunday 2 August 2020. This is part of new measures to step-up the fight against the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and gives police additional powers to ensure people are complying with public health directions.
As this is a dynamic and fast-moving situation, the best source of reliable, up to date information regarding current measures, restrictions and health advice is www.vic.gov.au/coronavirus.
Funding and support
Government support programs available to the creative sector.
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.
To date, the Victorian Government has announced of a total of $67.35 million to help the state’s creative sector through the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, in addition to broader programs and support. This includes:
- $26.3 million for Victoria’s iconic state-owned arts and cultural institutions – including NGV, Arts Centre Melbourne, Museums Victoria, Geelong Arts Centre and Melbourne Recital Centre.
- $13 million for almost 100 non-government arts and cultural organisations state-wide.
- $4.7 million in quick response grants for independent creatives and micro-businesses through the new Sustaining Creative Workers initiative.
- $18.95 million for the music industry, including support for live music venues ($15 million), music workers and businesses, and for key events and online initiatives across the state.
- $2 million to commission new works by local artists through the RISING Festival.
- $1.6 million in grants through Creative Victoria’s programs focusing on activities that can be undertaken in the current climate, such as the research and development of new creative works, professional development activities and new ways of reaching audiences.
- $800,000 for key creative hubs (Collingwood Yards and Abbottsford Convent) helping hundreds of resident creative businesses through rent relief and other support.
Given the extraordinary circumstances, Creative Victoria is also being as flexible as possible with reporting requirements for previously funded activity and with changes to projects, programs and timelines.
Visit the Financial Support page of the COVID-19 section of the Creative Victoria website to view support that may be on offer through Creative Victoria, other government support, and creative grants.
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. Business Victoria (13 22 15 or business.vic.gov.au) is the best source for advice and assistance on how to access these.
In response to the return of Stage 3 restrictions in metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire, new Victorian Government support is available to assist impacted businesses in these areas. Creative organisations and businesses in these areas may be eligible to apply for $5,000 grants through the Business Support Fund - Expansion.
Applications are now open until 19 August 2020. For more information, and to apply, visit Business Victoria.
See the Business Victoria fact sheet for details of further support measures and for information on how to access Business Victoria's programs contact the Business Victoria hotline on 13 22 15.
Business restrictions - Metropolitan Melbourne
No. Under Stage 4 restrictions arts, cultural and entertainment venues, studios and other creative industry workplaces are not permitted to open, including for livestreaming and recording performances and content.
You can continue to livestream from home, but no one from outside your household is permitted to be there.
Find more information on Stage 4 restrictions in Melbourne.
From 5 August, 11:59pm, under the Stage 4 restrictions in metropolitan Melbourne:
Feature film, television and documentary (excluding television commercials, student and corporate productions) projects that are already in physical production and operating as a closed set, and related post-production, are permitted to continue.
Screen productions of this nature can remain operational with a COVID safe plan in place and in accordance with the Permitted Worker Permit Scheme Directions.
Guidance, FAQs and a template for a COVID Safe plan is available via the Business Victoria website.
Information about the Permitted Worker Scheme is available on the Victorian Government’s coronavirus website
Business restrictions - Regional Victoria
Yes. Livestreaming from venues can continue under Stage 3 restrictions.
Find more information on Stage 3 restrictions in regional Victoria.
Professional screen productions are classified as workplaces under the Stage 3 restrictions and are permitted to operate in line with the public health measures, whether indoors or outside.
If a venue or residence has been hired by a production company and the crew and talent are being paid to be on site, the site is classified as a workplace.
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 launched the Victorian Live Music Venues program to support venues to respond to the devastating effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
We introduced the Sustaining Creative Workers initiative - a quick response grants program to support independent creative practitioners, sole traders, freelancers and creative micro-organisations/businesses that have been negatively impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19). Applications for this program have now closed. The first wave of recipients was announced on 16 June 2020.
We also introduced a new Strategic Investment Fund, open to Creative Victoria-funded, non-government arts and cultural organisations across Victoria. The fund will help organisations stabilise and continue their operations, provide opportunities for local artists, deliver programs for their communities and develop creative work over the next six months.
If your organisation receives multi-year support through Creative Victoria, contact your Client Manager to find out more.
Further opportunities focused on the music sector are also in the pipeline following the announced of a $4 million Music Industry Support Package. We will 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 grants programs that are now open for applications or opening soon.
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.
Non-government arts and cultural organisations that receive multi-year operational funding through Creative Victoria, are eligible for additional support through the new Strategic Investment Fund. Organisations should contact their Creative Victoria Client Manager to find out more.
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.
An automatic three-month extension has been applied to all current acquittals where a project is now complete.
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 will be reconsidered in light of the impacts of the current crisis.
Legal and business support
When planning an event, exercise caution in any financial obligations. For example, be aware of cancellation fees and insurances. Business Victoria can assist businesses in developing contingency plans and accessing advice about the implications of changes or cancellations.
Visit our Return to business - Arts and Cultural sector guidelines
It is best to contact your insurance provider or legal adviser to discuss what compensation you may be eligible for.
Business Victoria can assist businesses in developing contingency plans and accessing advice about the implications of changes or cancellations. Call the Business Victoria hotline on 13 22 15 or visit the website at business.vic.gov.au.
Information on current restrictions is available on the Victorian Government's coronavirus website.
If you are unsure or have any questions about your business’s ability to open or operate you can contact the Business Victoria coronavirus (COVID-19) hotline on 13 22 15 or by using the Business Victoria Contact us form.
As this is a fast evolving situation, we are unable to provide this advice at this time.
The current Stage 4 for restrictions in metropolitan Melbourne and Stage 3 restrictions in regional Victoria are in place until at least Sunday 13 September, and we will continue to follow the directions of the Chief Health Officer.
For latest information on Victoria's restriction levels, visit the Department of Health and Human Services website.
If your business is affected, call the Business Victoria hotline on 13 22 15 or visit business.vic.gov.au for the latest information about available support.
Business Victoria and its dedicated coronavirus (COVID-19) hotline caters for all businesses, including not-for-profits and those planning to start a business or apply for an ABN. This includes creative businesses and individual sole traders. The hotline number is 13 22 15. Business Victoria’s information is also available online at business.vic.gov.au.