Overview
The COVID-19 situation in Australia continues to change every day. Already, the federal government has implemented a ban on non-essential events with more than 500 people and mandated that everyone arriving from overseas self-isolate for 14 days. And, day by day, that's having an enormous impact on the arts world.
On Monday, March 16, Melbourne's major art and cultural institutions — including Melbourne Museum, Scienceworks, Arts Centre Melbourne, the NGV and State Library of Victoria — temporarily closed their doors. Today, Sydney Opera House announced that it is doing the same. Now, in a bid to slow the spread of COVID-19, some of Brisbane's big cultural venues are following suit.
The Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) today, Tuesday, March 17, announced that it is closing its theatres until at least April 30, at which stage it will re-evaluate the situation. It has also cancelled all public performances during that period. Three of the South Bank centre's theatres have capacities larger than 500 — the Concert Hall, Lyric Theatre and the Playhouse — however it's taking precautionary measures and cancelling performances and shows in all venues, including the smaller Cremorne Theatre, as well as the Melbourne Street Green and Cascade Court.
Green Jam at QPAC
Shows affected include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory's entire Brisbane season, which was due to open on Wednesday, March 18; the weekly free Green Jam gigs; all backstage tours; and everything from Queensland Ballet's 60th Anniversary Gala to shows by Penn and Teller, The Umbilical Brothers and The Wiggles.
Elsewhere in Brisbane, Brisbane Powerhouse has cancelled the final week of the Brisbane Comedy Festival; however the venue itself remains open at this stage. Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art have cancelled Water Up Late, as well as all public programs, events and tours, but again the venue itself — and the Australian Cinematheque's current program — remains operational for now.
The Queensland Performing Arts Centre has closed all theatres until at least April 30.
To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website.