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TOPOLOGY’S RESPONSE TO COVID-19

 

March 19, 2020

Statement from Topology’s Chair, Mr Justin Marschke, regarding COVID-19

In these unprecedented times, I wanted to let everyone know what Topology is doing to support our team, students, teachers and our regional communities to get through the uncertainties we all face.

As we are all aware, from Monday 16 March 2020, the National Cabinet agreed that non-essential, static, outdoor gatherings of more than 500 people were banned. Today it was announced that non-essential indoor gatherings of 100 people or more have been banned.  However, those restrictions are said not to apply to schools which remain open for the time being. Australians have also been urged to practice ‘social distancing’.  International air travel has also been banned. More restrictions are likely to follow and it is estimated the situation may persist for 6 months.

Topology’s goals are centered around the continued creation of adventurous new work, expansion and deepening of audience connections, enriching communities and young people, stimulating the arts sector through collaboration and increasing organisational effectiveness and efficiency. To achieve these goals Topology’s operations, focus on two key commitments: creating and connecting.

We understand how much it means to our students and communities to continue to create and stay connected with Topology and with John Babbage.  I want to reassure you that significant planning is being undertaken to ensure we can continue to fulfil these commitments.

The Topology team are now looking at ways we can still provide the Top Up Programs and support the regional communities where we work. Many of the activities we have planned will continue in some form, or be moved to an online learning and tutoring platform.

The World Premiere of our latest signature work – Drought Stories – Texas – was to be performed at the Gallery of Modern Art this Friday. Unfortunately, this event has been cancelled. However, we are utilizing the time to get into the studio to record this work on Friday. This is to ensure we can still premiere this fantastic new work by John Babbage and share the stories of the community of Texas (Qld) with you all.

The Topology team are also currently talking with our regional stakeholders about how we still proceed with smaller events that we have coming up in the next few weeks. We have the artists and crew booked for these activities. There are ways we can still provide the experiences for the students and communities who have been working on compositions and performances for many months. This is likely to be online streaming of the events via social media and through our YouTube Channel.

The Board is also very cognisant of the effect the widespread cancellation of arts and events is having on the Arts and Entertainment sector and the casual employment nature of the industry. However, the Arts Minister Leeanne Enoch has today announced support for Queensland’s Arts sector workforce, to help mitigate the impact of coronavirus.

We will continue to deliver regional and Top Up projects wherever possible to ensure that Topology musicians and crew have some financial support. This is part of us having organisational resilience and providing support for the Topology team when times are difficult.

Other than this, we are currently operating in business-as-usual mode, but are regularly reviewing this, based on advice from government bodies. This may change quickly so please keep in contact with us via social media or email if you have any concerns about upcoming workshops or Topology events. Topology staff will be available during office hours whether they are in the Topology offices or working remotely.

Please keep an eye on our Facebook page for events and performances that will be made available online including the World Premiere of Drought Stories and the Creative Boot Camp showcase that will be coming to you all from Longreach in April.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Topology via email (manager@topologymusic.com) or by phoning the office on (07) 3300 1222.

Thank you and kind regards,

Justin Marschke
Chair
on behalf of Topology

 

Topology proudly acknowledges Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and their rich culture and pays respect to their Elders past and present. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as Australia’s first peoples and as the Traditional Owners and custodians of the land and water on which we rely.