Supporting local artists
From the moment the COVID-19 restrictions came out, the arts sector instantly felt the effects.
Think about it, what was the first lot of restrictions introduced? Large scale events that attract 500 + people. What is likely to be the last restriction lifted? … You feel me?
Local artists have really taken a hit as venues and galleries close, and events are postponed or cancelled. Most artists are casual or contract workers, who are now essentially unemployed. But it’s not only the artists that have experienced this complete vacuum of work, it’s the suppliers and venues too! We need to do what we can to keep the vendors afloat and the venues doors open so our artists have somewhere to perform and we have places to gather once this is all over.
The moment the restrictions are lifted, the arts sector is going to be playing a significant role in bringing the community back together through creative recovery. We are all hopeful we can go back to our local for a drink and enjoy some live tunes, or back to our art group to get creative with our friends. So how can we support our local artists so we can go back to enjoy these things that we are missing?
Here are a few ways that you can continue to support our local artists and contribute to a healthy cultural community, even while practicing social distancing.
Buy artwork directly from an artist online
Gift art – with gift cards etc.
Like their artist Facebook page and send them some love through shares, likes, and commenting on their posts. By simply liking a page can have a huge effect on mental health and help spread the word of an artist and their work further. Best part - it doesn't cost a thing to do!
Attend / participate in rescheduled events / workshops that are now being offered online.
Watch a live streaming concert as part of Feel Good Fridays coming up
If you are able, donate!
We are featuring Albany’s incredible creatives once a week as part of the Meet the Maker campaign. Check our who has been featured so far , and if you would like to be featured, please get in touch: arts@albany.wa.gov.au
What some of OUR amazing local artists are currently offering:
Albany Art Workshops
Offering: Gift and gift cards, Contactless drop off/pickup available in Albany, and Art at Home Kits
Contact: Carol Noakes
AlbanyArtWorkshops@outlook.com
https://www.facebook.com/AlbanyArtWorkshops/
Guitar Lessons Albany
About: Guitar lessons from beginners to advanced
Offering: Daniel is teaching one on one guitar lessons over Skype and Zoom. Class times are organised directly with Daniel.
Cost: TBC through Guitar Lessons Albany
Contact: Daniel Bainbridge
https://www.facebook.com/guitarlessonsalbany/
ph: 0417 527 116
Happy Feet Fitness
About: Combination fitness and dance class for pre-school children
Offering: Happy Feet @ Home is a weekly video of a pre-recorded Happy Feet class that children and parents can do at home. Each class is approximately 30mins and can we watched as many times as you like.
Cost: $9.50 per week which includes the class and worksheets
Contact: Tertia Le Roux
SHALE Pottery
About: Pottery classes
Offering: Clay for Kids pottery classes – not only for kids, for everyone! Simply get in touch, collect the clay from the studio, and learn online from home.
Cost: $35 pp
Contact: Bruce Shale
https://www.facebook.com/SHALEPOTTERY/
Kirsten Sivyer Fine Art About: En plein air drawing classes Learn to draw scenes on location. This series of 5 classes will take place in and around Albany parks. Classes are suitable for beginners to intermediate levels. Students will learn about monochromatic drawing techniques in dry media, pictorial composition, tonal observation and describing depth in drawing. Classes will run twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays 10am-12pm, from May 26 - June 9 2020. Students can enrol here: https://www.cognitoforms.com/KirstenSivyerFineArt1/EnPleinAirDrawingClasses Contact: Kirsten Sivyer https://www.facebook.com/events/746293469237245/ https://kirstensivyer.com/art-classes-albany-wa/
If you’re an artist that is offering an online or non-contact service and want to be featured on this blog, contact us today!