The National Association for the Visual Arts is thinking of all NAVA Members, artists and arts workers affected by the current bushfires, heatwaves, storms and flooding across Victoria, NSW, Queensland and other parts of Australia.
We know that many artists have experienced the loss of homes, studios, equipment and artworks, and that these impacts come on top of existing precarity in the sector. For some, the effects will be immediate and devastating. For others, the consequences may unfold over time. Many artists are also navigating these losses without insurance or adequate safety nets.
NAVA sends strength, care and solidarity to everyone affected. We acknowledge the emotional toll of displacement, uncertainty and loss, and recognise the additional pressure this places on artists’ lives and practice.
Artists and arts workers who are able to do so can support colleagues in need by donating to the Artists’ Benevolent Fund, which provides emergency financial assistance to visual artists experiencing hardship due to unexpected crises. Donations are being collected via the NAVA website.
The National Association for the Visual Arts is a deductible gift recipient registered with the Australian Taxation Office, covered by Item 1 of the table in section 30-15 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997. Donations of $2 or more are tax-deductible.
Resources
To assist artists and galleries in preparing for and responding fires, floods and other crises, the following resources are available:
- Protecting possessions from Bushfire (Museums & Galleries NSW)
- Flood and water damage recovery resources (Museums & Galleries NSW)
- Cyclone preparation fact sheet (Museums & Galleries Queensland & Queensland Museum)
- Disaster preparedness & recovery (Museums & Galleries Queensland)
- What to do if water is in your building (Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Material AICCM)
- AICCM - Disaster planning
- Blue Shield Australia
- Cerf+ - Smart prep to keep your artist studio safe (USA based organisation)
- Creative Recovery Network
Mental health and wellbeing support
Disasters take a toll not only physically and financially but also emotionally. Artists and arts workers can access free, confidential mental health support through the Support Act Wellbeing Helpline. This service is available 24/7 for anyone in the arts industry needing immediate mental health support.
- Support Act Wellbeing Helpline for anyone who works in the creative industries 1800 959 500
- 13YARN Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Crisis Support 13 92 76
- Call Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14 or text the helpline on 0477 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue has a comprehensive list of national helplines and websites.
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