To the Speaker and Member of the Legislative Assembly for the Australian Capital Territory:
This petition of certain residents of the Australian Capital Territory draws to the attention of the Assembly that:
Producers within the creative industries in Canberra have received limited government funding during the COVID-19 crisis. Live in Ya Lounge, the COVID-19 live stream music program, has been forced to cease due to lack of support. For five months the event organisers have covered the base costs for 65 acts including musicians and actors for 32 live streamed shows. Revenue raising efforts included sponsorship, donations, live attendance tickers and a small festival grant, all of which have not covered the program costs.
Your petitioners therefore request the Assembly to call on the Act Government to financially support Live In Ya Lounge by covering the venue and staffing costs to the value of $5 000 per show. This support includes a hire fee for artists and will make the program financially viable.