Concerns that Sydney would lose musical blockbusters such asHamilton andCome From Away,as well as live shows and concerts,due to lockdown and post-lockdown capacity restrictions partly triggered the NSW government’s rapid-fire $75 million rescue package for the arts and cultural sector announced Wednesday.
Before lockdown,Hamilton had been nearly selling out the 2000-seat Lyric Theatre across eight performances each week. Each week of lockdown amounts to a $2 million loss.
“Right now we are keeping our head above water,” Cassel said. “But the challenge is these lockdowns are a substantial expense to producers without any income. It is not sustainable and I’m very worried about how long this lockdown is going to last.”
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Commercial and not-for-profit arts and culture companies and live music venues reliant on box office income will be eligible for compensation to help them survive the massive financial disruption.
Arts Minister Don Harwin said compensation for loss of box office income is to be calculated on venue capacity and average ticket prices for shows and events that were prepared,scheduled,or in progress during the lockdown weeks. Further incentive payments would be judged on venue capacity restrictions enforced by public health orders once lockdown ends. Such restrictions can render productions uneconomic.
Applications are to be open no later than July 23 through the government’s arts agency,Create NSW. Successful companies will be required to meet minimum wage payments for cast and crew.