Venues are on ‘red alert’ in support of the entertainment industry

Performance venues across Australia have gone red in support of the entertainment industry.

Illuminating their exteriors in bright, red lights, venues such as the RNA Showgrounds Brisbane, Luna Park and countless theatres went on ‘red alert’ as part of a national social media movement, #wemakeevents.

This calling of arms aims to spread awareness about the impact of the coronavirus on live entertainment and how the industry could collapse without government support. We Make Events Australia, who are championing the movement, spoke about fears and the possibility of facing a world without entertainment. “This could mean a world without concerts, festivals and live spectaculars, and millions out of work.”

People across the country took the call on Wednesday, 30 September to ‘light it in red’, with some even displaying art installations, unique projections and dressing in red clothing.

Celebrities including Alice Cooper, Tim Dalton and Jack Black expressed their public support for the campaign, as well as local bands including Disclosure. Channel 7 studios in Sydney, The Tivoli Brisbane, Eatons Hill Hotel, Empire Theatre Toowoomba, RNA Showgrounds and the Western Australia Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) also went red to unite with the cause, backed by We Make Events who says “Australia is in danger of losing its global position as a world leader in world-class events…together we stand as one.”

We Make Events Australia, which has almost 3000 followers on their Australian Instagram profile and more than 15,000 followers on their global profile, continue to call for more grants to be given, and JobKeeper and self-employment schemes to be extended until the industry is back on its feet.

Recently, the government announced $22.9 million in funding over 2020 and 2021 to support Australia’s cultural institutions. Arts Queensland also revealed a 10-year roadmap for arts and creativity in the state, where it aims to support the industry’s social, cultural and economic future.

The #wemakevents campaign comes after the coronavirus shut down entertainment venues and artists, technicians, designers, and many more who lost their jobs and income.

For more information about the #wemakeevents campaign, visit the We Make Events website.

Photography sourced via the We Make Events Australia Facebook Page.