Pulling the plug on arts

MAJOR organisations across Geelong have closed their doors in an attempt to protect the community from the coronavirus pandemic.

A trio of the city’s major organisations announced new measures yesterday and late Sunday, including the Geelong Gallery, Geelong Arts Centre and Geelong Regional Libraries Corporation (GRLC).

The Geelong Arts Centre on Sunday announced a fourweek closure of all its buildings to the public, with a string of shows cancelled — including an April 4 performance by veteran comedian Effie.

“This decision is in response to the best health advice from state and federal authorities and is in line with a statewide response from other arts venues and creative industries agencies,” an Arts Centre statement read. “The cancellations and closure will remain in effect for four weeks, through 12 April.”

The GRLC yesterday announced the suspension of all library programs, events and outreach services for at least four weeks.

Overdue library fines have been suspended for the immediate future, while all libraries will continue to operate during normal hours for now, GRLC chief executive Patti Manolis said.

“This was a difficult decision to make, knowing how important and highly valued our huge schedule of programs and events is to the Geelong region’s community. Our key priority is public safety,” she said.

Hours later, the Geelong Gallery became the latest organisation to take action related to the pandemic, announcing it would suspend all public programs, education programs, events and outreach programs, including the Geelong Design Week program, until at least April 13.

But the gallery will remain open during normal hours for the time being, said Geelong Gallery director and chief executive Jason Smith.