Seven ways to support your local artists

As you're all no doubt aware, the coronavirus pandemic has had a far reaching socio-economic impact on our economy, no more so than our artists and entertainers. In these past two weeks, we've lost 150 million dollars. I'll give you a moment to take that in. As teaching artist and a sole trader myself, I myself have suffered a significant financial loss, but I still have my drama facilitator job with the education department to keep me afloat. However, a lot of artists, and most artists, aren't that fortunate. Consequently, I've created this article to raise awareness on how you, reading this, can help support us; your local artists. Most of these examples will be Australia/Brisbane based, as that's where I'm located, but I'm sure you can find examples from wherever you are in the world to go in its place.

1. Stream music to help musicians globally

One of my favourite bands of all time, The Cat Empire, have created an initiative in which you can help your local (and global) musicians without spending more money that you already do and without leaving your homes. This is through creating a playlist called #lockeddowngetdown which you can share with your friends and use the hashtag on your social media. Quite a few Australian artists have supported this initiative on their own social platforms. My #lockdowngetdown playlist includes the following Australian artists:

1. The Cat Empire

2. Ball Park Music

3. Meg Mac

4. Didirri

5. Vera Blue

6. Guy Sebastian

7. Ocean Alley

8. G Glip

9. Stella Donnelly

10. Sahara Beck

11. Missy Higgins

12. Tim Minchin

13. John Butler

14. Hilltop Hoods

15. Kate Miller-Heidke

16. Lime Cordiale

17. Thelma Plum

18. Holy holy

And many many more....

2. Become a member or make a donation at your local community/semi-professional theatre.

Unfortunately, most theatre companies have had to cancel all of their upcoming productions because of new government restrictions. This has affected me as well and it really breaks my heart. Because of all of the cancelled works, companies have had to refund tickets and have made a mammoth financial loss. How can you help? Make a donation to your local theatre company and/or become a member at your local theatre company and/or. These companies include (but are certainly not restricted) to the following...

For Brisbane: Brisbane Arts Theatre, Backbone Youth Arts, Brisbane Powerhouse, Mousetrap Theatre Company, Queensland Shakespeare Ensemble, Spotlight Theatrical, Savoyards, Zen Zen Zo Physical Theatre, Queensland Theatre, La Boite, The Tivoli, Harvest Rain Theatre Company, Flipside Circus, shake & stir, Blue Roo Theatre Company

For Sydney: Belvoir St Theatre, Bell Shakespeare Company, Sydney Theatre Company, Griffin Theatre Company, Ensemble Theatre Company, Jove Theatre Company, Darlinghurst Theatre Company, New Theatre, Mad March Hare Theatre, Chalkdust Theatre Company

For Melbourne: Red Stitch Theatre Company, La Mama, Fankson Theatre Group Inc., ARC, Brighton Theatre Company, Impro Melbourne, Melbourne Theatre Company, Melbourne Playback Theatre Company

For Adelaide: Bakehouse Theatre, Repertory Theatre, Urban Myth Theatre of Youth, No Strings Attached: Theatre of Disability, Unseen Theatre Company, Patch Theatre Company Inc,

For Perth: Black Swan Theatre Company, Playhouse Theatre, Playlovers, Melville Theatre Company, Barking Gecko Theatre, The Blue Room Theatre, Perth Theatre Company

For Tasmania: Tasmanian Theatre Company, Old Nick Company Inc, The Playhouse Theatre, Peacock Theatre, Theatre North Inc, Backspace Theatre

3. Buy some art and craft products or handmaid goods and paintings online.

Some excellent websites to use for following are: Made It (from Australia), Toggle (from New Zealand), Big Cartel, Shop Indie, Redbubble, Etsy, Folksy, Society Six or even Handmade at Amazon. Some of your local artists may even have their own social media, online platform and online store, whom you can contact directly. One of my closest friends and co-creators, Ingrid Bartkowiak takes commissions and has the most incredible array of products to available on her online platform: https://ingridbartkowiakart.com/

4. If you're looking for a babysitter or someone to look after your children, contact a trusted artist friend instead of looking for someone new.

The harsh reality is that they/we need money and most of us have had experience working with children and obtain a blue card, as well as a police check. And, your child's night time story will become an interactive experience.

5. Order books online from your local bookshops.

Some might argue that authors aren't artists, but I wholeheartedly disagree with you and have about a solid thirty minutes of rebuttal ready for you, if you'd like to contact me directly. Just like your local entertainers, performers, illustrators and designers need your help, as do our local authors. Many local authors don't have their work accessible for purchase via QBD, Dymocks or Book Depository, especially if they self-published. Thus, I'd recommend you to find out your local bookshop and purchase some books to read during your social isolation. They may even offer a deal on shipping or they might even ship it to you for free. If you live in Brisbane area, Avid Reader in West End is such a wonderful bookshop that has a fantastic selection of local authors.

6. Buy merch

Whether it be a band shirt such or a shirt from a touring show that may have been cancelled or postponed like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, all of those proceeds will go directly to the artists.

7. Watch live streams and donate

These past two days I've watched two live streams in the comfort of my living room- one from the Little Red Company and one from Backbone Youth Arts and paid my ticket price. And I'm really looking forward to watching a live stream of Sahara Beck at the Tivoli next week. Make sure you keep an eye out on your social media for live stream events that are happening new you in the upcoming weeks.