The music and wider events industry is taking a very substantial hit with measures implemented to control the coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic creating global disruption and deepening future uncertainty. With international and local tours canned daily, festivals and large-to-increasingly-small events now being cancelled, musicians, performers, venues, contractors and all those casual workers who help make events happen are already facing real strife. 

Here’s a link to keep up to date with the latest global facts and stats on the virus.

Update 17/3/2020. 3pm: The government has announced a $12.1b scheme to pay for people to stay in work and at home. More info here.

Musichelps.org.nz was the first of the local support agencies to respond publicly with a comprehensive page of info titled ‘COVID-19 Information and Support for Kiwi Music People’ that includes Government and social services links along with advice and directions to the MusicHelps Wellbeing Service , a 24-hour helpline and free professional counselling service for Kiwi music people experiencing emotional distress. 

Auckland event worker Sarin Moddle has independently started compiling a very handy list of resources touching on where to receive financial help, support with mental health, and a variety of other links to things like surveys that will help lobbying groups to measure the impact on our industry.

Australian website ilostmygig.net.au set up to track the losses incurred by postponement and cancellations of gigs has since been expanded to include NZ events. It’s designed to collect information on the financial impact on artists, music businesses and contractors. Update 17/3/2020, 16.15pm: The NZ equivalent is live now here.

There is also a fantastic and comprehensive international listing with links to streaming platforms that talks about best practice for online teaching, remote job opportunities and more – definitely worth a browse. 

Back home again Victoria Kelly, composer and APRA director of member services has spelled out some simple ideas on how we can support our favourite local musicians during the Covid-19 outbreak. Update 18/3/2020, 3.45pm: Here’s an interview with Jesse Mulligan if you don’t like reading.

On a more lighthearted, but educational note, you can generate posters with infographics on how to wash your hands properly based on your favourite lyrics here, and here are some ideas how to replace shaking hands etc: