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.
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.
Over the past six to eight months, some state governments have stepped in.
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).
