Here are some initiatives I’ve collated to assist performing artists in Australia (apologies to those who are in other countries – let me know if you’d like me to dig around for your area). PLEASE always do some due diligence and don’t get caught up in any scams during this time.

Funds for individuals and businesses in Melbourne:
https://melbourne.smartygrants.com.au/QRv2ArtsGrants2020

Resilience funds by Australia Council:
https://www.australiacouncil.gov.au/funding/funding-index/2020-resilience-fund/

Funds for artists with Nicole Car as the major patron:
https://freelanceartistrelief.com/

City of Melbourne Quick Response grants:
https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/arts-and-culture/strategies-support/funding/Pages/assistance-creatives-covid-19.aspx

Where to note the gigs you’ve lost in AUS and NZ:
https://ilostmygig.net.au

Another data collection for First Nations artists based in VIC:
http://songlines.net.au/covid19/

Useful information by Multicultural Arts:
https://www.multiculturalarts.com.au/news/covid-19-avenues-of-support-for-artists-and-arts-workers/

State-by-state info on financial support:
https://www.smartcompany.com.au/coronavirus/covid-19-stimulus-state-guide/
https://www.fundingcentre.com.au/covid19-financial-assistance

https://apraamcos.com.au/news/2020/april/covid-19-funding-sources-and-assistance-for-creatives-federal-state-and-local/

Assistance and/or information by state governments –
QLD:
https://www.arts.qld.gov.au

SA:
http://dpc.sa.gov.au/responsibilities/arts-and-culture/grants/covid-19-arts-grants-support/expressions-of-interest-for-arts-organisations-collaboration-grants

ACT:
https://www.arts.act.gov.au/funding/homefront

VIC:
https://creative.vic.gov.au/resources/coronavirus-covid-19-creative-industries-q-and-as
https://www.business.vic.gov.au/support-for-your-business/grants-and-assistance/economic-survival-and-jobs-package

NSW:
https://www.create.nsw.gov.au/funding-and-support/arts-and-cultural-funding-program/small-project-grants/

https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/community/grants-and-sponsorships/cultural-grants-sponsorships/creative-fellowship-grants

NT:
https://dtsc.nt.gov.au/covid-19-information-for-stakeholders/creative-industries-sector

WA:
https://www.lotterywest.wa.gov.au/lotterywest/covid-19

Wellbeing for artists:
https://www.artswellbeingcollective.com.au

I’ll try to update as I find others; please let me know of any that you come across that aren’t listed here.

Hello everyone

It’s been a while, I know, and I’m clearly not good at blogging even with good intentions.  So, I apologise for the past and in advance if my next one takes a while.

The past few months have been surreal.  The new year, the bushfires, the virus… and personally, I had a job change where I thought until the very last minute I was going to resign and lose a job.  I should be really grateful that in these challenging times I still have one.  My heart truly goes out to you arts practitioners whose livelihood have suddenly been decimated or totally obliterated by the current situation.

So, as a yogi, I should be sending you some support. And many yoga teachers whose jobs have also been compromised are finding ways online not just to keep some income happening, but also to allow others to continue their yoga practice.

Admittedly, I’m very video shy so I can’t promise that I’ll get videos on here – but what I do plan to do over the next weeks is to post some meditation recordings, with maybe some simple stretches.  I was running a 30 minute “Stretch & Pause” sessions at my work before all this happened, so my colleagues are wanting similar things.  Hold me to it, and I’ll do my best.

My lovely group of yoga regulars at work

In the meantime – please, please look after yourself, not just physically but also mentally. Keep your mind active, find some routine in your life (very important!), keep in touch with your friends and family through digital means where possible. Don’t be shy to reach out to people if you’re feeling stressed.

If you need some yogic amusement, have a laugh at this, shared by wonderful yogis Nicky and James from Knoff Yoga: https://youtu.be/Z2gF2z2THS4 

And my mantra for hard times: This, too, shall pass.

Hang in there. Miss you all.

Miki