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New program linking creatives and community

Shannon SmithAlbany Advertiser
Musician Simone Keane is the first local artist to feature on Meet the Maker Monday.
Camera IconMusician Simone Keane is the first local artist to feature on Meet the Maker Monday. Credit: Michael Traill/Albany Advertiser, Michael Traill/Albany Advertiser Picture: Michael Traill

Local professional artists who have had their livelihoods affected by COVID-19 venue closures have been thrown a lifeline.

The City of Albany’s new Meet the Maker Monday program offers a promotional platform for Great Southern artists who have been hit hard by the coronavirus crisis.

The program, which launched yesterday, helps artists connect with audiences online.

Musician Simone Keane was the first to feature.

“(COVID-19) has taken a lot of the social aspect out of my job and life as well as making a living, so basically I can’t make a living out of playing music live at the moment,” she said.

“It is really important for creatives to stay connected with their community.

“Like a lot of people at the moment, mental health, especially, is suffering because we like to connect with the community through our creativity.”

The City of Albany’s Vancouver Arts Centre team leader, Amber Launay, said creatives relied on face-to-face interaction.

“They offer a sensory experience to their audience, which is hard to match without a physical presence,” she said.

“So they are understandably taking one of the biggest hits through this pandemic with social-distancing restrictions shutting all music venues, exhibition spaces and public gatherings.

Ms Launay urged artists to get involved, showcase their talents and help fill a “creative-sized hole” in people’s lives.

Visit albanyinthistogether.com or the City of Albany Facebook page.

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