Paul Bibby
They are the unsung heroes of our favourite performance venues – the hardworking crews who keep the shows seamlessly on the road.
But they are also bearing the brunt of restrictions imposed because of COVID-19, and government cuts to arts funding.
This week at Brunswick Picture House, comedian Tom Gleeson took a moment to acknowledge those working behind the scenes; including the back stage crew, box office staff, front of house, bar staff and security.
The Gold Logie winner is posting crew photos every night from this current tour with the tag #broughtoyouby.
Gleeson’s management company, Token, feels there has been a lack of understanding at government level as to how much of an impact the arts make in this country – and how many people it employs.
‘There’s more to Australia than footy and horse racing’, Gleeson told The Echo.
‘Imagine if the arts got the same support?’
‘How many more live events would there be?
‘I decided not to wait for help and to start my tour anyway. Every solo show I do means jobs for all the theatre staff. For that alone it’s been worth it. Big thanks to Brunswick Picture House for putting on the shows’.
The federal government axed/merged its arts department last year, much to the horror of many working in the industry and arts lovers across the country.
The federal government’s $250m arts sector lifeline is unlikely to start flowing until the end of the year.
