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$200,000 for our local artists
25 November 2020
Throughout Melbourne’s long lockdowns to curb the spread of COVID-19, live music audiences have rallied behind our community of local artists.
Donations to the Performer Support Fund have been invaluable in sustaining the Centre’s work supporting local artists throughout 2020. Thanks to the generosity of the over 1,000 donors, we have been able to provide a payment to every one of our co-presentation series artists and ensembles whose scheduled performances have been directly affected by our period of closure.
The Performer Support Fund is also helping us to create new employment opportunities for local artists; taking some of the Centre’s Learning and Access programs online, paid positions as judges for our Bach and Romantics Competitions, and engagements to create new performance content for our growing digital platform.
Altogether, we've made over 500 artist payments, across nearly 250 events!
Further gifts to the Performer Support Fund will support the continued programming of local musicians by helping to cover artist fees as the Centre reopens.
Messages of compassion and thanks have flowed from audiences to artists during this time. Memories of unforgettable entertainment or transformative experiences, and about how our local artists shape our city's culture, its heart and its soundtrack.
“I just have to think of a performance at the recital centre and remember how much I appreciated it to put me in the mood to make a gesture that reflects that appreciation” - Performer Support Fund donor
Audiences have given back to ensure our vibrant musical community is sustained through these hard times. By donating the value of their ticket refunds and more, they have been helping Melbourne Recital Centre to provide crucial financial assistance to Melbourne’s artists during a very difficult time for the arts industry.
“A PRIVILEGE TO SUPPORT. Hopefully concerts will begin soon! Thank you!” - Performer Support Fund donor
Concerts will soon begin again, but the uncertainty is not over yet, with months of healing ahead and capacity restrictions on venues. As we slowly reenergise our vibrant live music ecosystem, small acts continue to make a big difference.
You can still make a tax-deductible donation. Further donations will directly support artist fees and help us to create new paid performance opportunities.