` We’re seeing some creative solutions... but countless independent practitioners remain unsure of whether there will be a platform for us to make and present new work in future.

and I trust the bigger plan,” she told

“Regular family time is beautiful; it feels like a life reset.

“The Melbourne I know and love is not operating at the moment, so I’ve started to re-imagine what I can offer while I’m here.”

In March, before the virus restrictions took hold, Ms Simons had quit her steady part-time job as Program Director of an arts advocacy organisation to pursue a career as a fulltime artist.

“Just before COVID hit, I was rehearsing a show that was one week away from opening at Sydney Recital Hall and Melbourne Recital Centre, both of which are