On Friday afternoon, representatives from Arts Centre Melbourne confirmed that everything would be going forward as usual over this weekend, with an update to come as soon as possible around their forward program. In what may be a sign for things to come for other major performing arts venues across Australia, it has been confirmed that all scheduled performances and events will be cancelled commencing midnight tonight. Furthermore, the building will be temporarily closed to the public.
This cancellation will impact all events for the next four weeks, through to 12 April 2020. A decision and announcement regarding events past this date will take into consideration any further developments around the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
A full statement from Arts Centre Melbourne Chief Executive Claire Spencer can be found below:
Every ounce of our beings as arts workers is to raise the curtain on the next spectacular performance; ‘the show must go on’ is our battle cry as an industry,” said Claire Spencer, Chief Executive Officer of Arts Centre Melbourne.
To say this decision is counterintuitive and deeply upsetting is a gross understatement.
However, based on the rapidly unfolding events of the last few days, the gut-wrenching decision made today to cancel all performances and close our buildings to the public was made as a precautionary measure to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community, protect our staff, performers and patrons, and to play our role in Australia’s response to limiting transmission.
We know this is a difficult time for our community and we extend our solidarity to all of those who are impacted, especially artists, performers, and staff whose livelihood depends on a vibrant and fully functioning Arts Centre Melbourne.The wellbeing and support of our staff is paramount.
But this unprecedented situation demands an unprecedented response.
We know that the arts play a critical role in uplifting and supporting our communities and we’ll continue to explore ways to bring the wonder of the performing arts to Victorians during this time.
Claire Spencer | Chief Executive Officer at Arts Centre Melbourne
Further information regarding the closure can be found below, shared verbatim as provided by Arts Centre Melbourne for your reference:
Closures include the Theatres Building (including the State Theatre, Playhouse, Fairfax Studio, Box Office and Australian Music Vault), the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Hamer Hall, The Channel creative learning space, food and beverage outlets within the buildings, and all function spaces.
The Arts Centre Melbourne car park, which services the broader Melbourne Arts Precinct and community, will remain open, as will the outdoor café, The Protagonist, on the forecourt outside the Theatres Building. The building will be closed to the public and those who use the car park can enter and exit as directed.
For ticket holders booked to attend performances and events over this period, refunds will be provided and further information is available on our website at www.artscentremelbourne.com.au. Refunds will be processed automatically – you do not need to contact Arts Centre Melbourne.
Arts Centre Melbourne
My thoughts go out to the producers, performers, cast members and professional staff directly associated with Arts Centre Melbourne who have clearly been hard at work over the last few days and will undoubtedly be troubled by this ongoing situation. However, I am glad to see the venue is taking best advice, and hope that solutions for all parties involved can be found.
