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COVID safety nets for cancelled arts events: some progress, but still vulnerable

As snap lockdowns loom large across the country with no end in sight, some state governments are doing their best to support live events, but without a consistent approach, the sector is still vulnerable.

20 Jul 2021 12:53

Jo Pickup

acrobats falling through the air at night-time performance

Performing Arts

Is there a safety net for the performing arts? Photo credit: Philippe Heckel.

Before COVID-19, the likelihood of a pandemic cancelling your live show seemed remote – right? But now that COVID is a ‘known risk’ in the world, commercial insurance options to cover against it have been abandoned by insurers. As it stands, there are no commercial insurance policies available in Australia to cover event cancellations due to COVID-19 disruptions.

The scheme ran for eight months (to June 2021), supporting 146 performing arts and live music events with a projected total box office of over $30 million, and claims made to the value of $4.9 million. The program proved instrumental to the delivery of the Perth Festival in February 2021, and Perth’s Fringe World (also in February 2021), when snap lockdowns affected these programs. Though currently closed, the program will reopen later this month in an expanded form.

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Jo Pickup

ArtsHub's Arts Feature Writer Jo Pickup is based in Perth. An arts writer and manager, she has worked as a journalist and broadcaster for media such as the ABC, RTRFM and The West Australian newspaper, contributing media content and commentary on art, culture and design. She has also worked for arts organisations such as Fremantle Arts Centre, STRUT dance, and the Aboriginal Arts Centre Hub of WA, as well as being a sessional arts lecturer at The Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA).