Vic Govt Announces $17.2M Creative Sector Package As State Continues Reopening Plan

Victoria's reopening following the COVID-19 lockdown has taken another step forward with a number of changes announced for hospitality and music venues. 

Following on from nine days of zero new cases in the state, Premier Daniel Andrews shared the details of the third step of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Reopening Roadmap at a press conference yesterday, with the changes coming into effect from 11.59pm on Sunday 8 November. 

As part of the third step, hospitality venues have seen an increase in capacity amounts, with "40 patrons per venue indoors, subject to density of 1 per 4m2 and a maximum of 10 people per space" and "up to 70 patrons per venue, subject to density of 1 per 2m2 and maximum groups of 10 persons" for outdoor spaces. 

Additionally, live music can return to these venues in all areas, whereas performances were only previously allowed in outdoor areas with the new rule stating, "Live music: Requirement of 5m distance from audience, and 2m between performers. Recommend live music performed outdoors where possible. Performance and rehearsal rules for professionals apply to all live music settings. Performers are excluded from venue cap". 

READ MORE: Live Music In Regional Victoria Is Back! But It’s Still Going To Need A Leg-Up

Music halls, concert halls and auditoriums are also now allowed to open as part of the "Indoor Entertainment Venues" category, meaning they can "open for a maximum of 20 people per space (e.g. each screening room, gallery space or auditorium)", "1.5m distance between bookings, maximum bookings of 10 people", "performance times (including film screenings) staggered to minimum interval of 30 mins between sessions to avoid crowds in foyers and bathrooms". 

Creative studios have also been included in the announcement with those used for art and music purposes now allowed "up to 10 people per space with 1.5 metres distance between patrons and subject to density quotient 1 per 4m2," as well as "No more than five people per space singing or using wind instruments for amateur groups". 

Provided that the state stays on track in the coming weeks, restrictions will be eased further in these categories from 11.59pm on 22 November. 

The State Government has also unveiled a new $17.2 million package for the creative sector today, with new Minister for Creative Industries Danny Pearson announcing the plan. 

Significantly is the announcement for Arts Centre Melbourne's Sidney Myer Music Bowl which will transform "into a COVIDsafe venue that will host the Live at the Bowl summer festival – to run from January to March – featuring more than 40 performances. It is expected to create close to 2,000 job opportunities in the creative and event industries".

It's also been announced that "a further $5 million will deliver a new series of live music events across regional and peri-urban communities to bring Victorians back together and help our music industry and its thousands of businesses and workers get back on their feet".

"This extensive program will showcase Victoria’s incredible creative talent, deliver thousands of jobs and reinvigorate our creative, hospitality and events sectors," said Pearson. 

"It will be a celebration of all we’ve achieved together to get through this year, and will bring people back to the experiences we love in new, exciting and COVIDsafe ways."

Head here for more information on the Reopening Roadmap.