"Absolutely do not hesitate to reach out as no situation or circumstance will be minimised."
Support Act are encouraging more artists and industry to apply for their recently launched COVID-19 support grants.
The organisation launched their MusicKeeper and CrewKeeper grants at the end of March and have since received more than 600 applications for the $2,000 cash grants ($2,700 for families with dependent children) but are calling for more people to apply for assistance through the over $1.2million in funding from the Australian Government through the Office for the Art.
"We are pleased with the response to date and delighted that we’ve been able to help many struggling music workers to stay afloat in these uncertain times, but we continue to hear feedback that some people feel embarrassed or not worthy enough to apply," said Support Act CEO Clive Miller.
“While this is completely understandable, we want to remind all music workers that the pandemic has impacted almost everyone working in live music, and there is absolutely no shame in reaching out for help.
“We have worked hard to make the application process as easy as possible and our social workers are available to provide support to anyone who needs it.”
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Bachelor Girl frontwoman and solo artist Tania Doko has spoken about her experience receiving the grant and is encouraging others to apply.
“I felt that I was undeserving or that perhaps I wasn't ‘as vulnerable’ as others may be," she said.
"It was fantastic to talk to Support Act's social workers and to feel heard as a family, particularly challenged by our untimely move from Stockholm to Melbourne during an already turbulent 2020, for the sake of my Swedish husband’s Partner Visa.
"Absolutely do not hesitate to reach out as no situation or circumstance will be minimised. Support Act can make that tangible difference so that you can get on with being your best, creative self."