Get Ya Thru

5 Resources and Recommendations for Territorian artists.

This week many of our Darwin Fringe Festival community members have been talking about how we’re adjusting to their new normal in light of the COVID-19 global health pandemic. For many artists facing significant loss of income and scheduled projects, these months ahead are leaving many of us in the community in some uncharted territory (pun intended).

In times of social upheaval and significant changes we know historically that creativity thrives and flourishes. Artists adapt, innovate and express themselves in newly imagined ways to meet newly imagined realities. 

No matter where you are in your own creative journey or if you’re developing an arts practice for the first time at home, here’s our top 5 recommendations and resources to help bridge that gap between adjusting to our new daily lives and beginning to express yourselves again.

1. Follow Lockdown Arts – NT

Lockdown Arts – NT was created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and is a place where local NT artists can connect with our artistic neighbors, live-stream readings, performances and any creative-happenings you want to share with your community. You can drop into a livestream of local artists putting on performances or more low key live art events to keep you company while we are all spending more time at home. Get in touch by sending a FB message, follow them here, check their ‘Gram here and reach out to get your creative shenanigans shared.

2. Take A Creative Breather

During the pandemic, it’s ok to step back right now and recharge your own creative batteries. You could do something nice that is entirely out-come free, without plans or agenda to perform. Take the time to watch the sunset each evening and carve out some time for you. Now is a great time to do low-key activities that are pressure-free from thoughts of working and producing artistically, like spring cleaning if it soothes you or growing a few veggies or herbs in containers.

Adjusting to change always takes a moment, so make sure you take a beat. Our friendly creative community will always be here for one another, give yourself permission to dip out and swing back in when you need to.

3. Check Out Fringe and Chill

Stay connected with your extended World Fringe Family through Fringe and Chill, an online platform presenting performances from Fringes around the world. You could even get involved yourself! More Fringe shows will be available in the coming months. Make sure you follow their Facebook page as it’s their main source of sharing info at this time. Their live schedule can be seen here.

4. Discover The Social Distancing Festival

The Social Distancing Festival is a great opportunity to see what other people around the country and world are putting out creatively.
The Social Distancing festival, in their own words describes themselves as, “an online artist’s community made to celebrate and showcase the work of the many artists around the world who have been affected by the need for social distancing that has come about due to the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19).”Their amazing lineup is scheduled here.

5. Stay Up To Date

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by an influx of inaccurate and out of date social media messaging around the COVID-19 pandemic. To ensure you’re only getting reliable, non-hysterical public health messaging we recommend the Coronavirus Australia Whatsapp Service, the free phone app or simply the Coronavirus NT Website, found here.
Using one impeccable, factually-based government news source can help you stay focused on the essential info and block out any unhelpful misinformation.
To stay connected here’s a step by step guide to using the Coronavirus Australia Whatsapp Service:

1. Download WhatsApp onto your phone.
2. Add the government’s WhatsApp number into your WhatsApp contacts.
3. The number is +61 400 253 787
4. Send the WhatsApp account a message.
5. You will receive a message back.
6. Follow the instructions to get the information you need.
   

The app can be downloaded for free: Apple App Store and on Google Play.

6. Check In With Yo’ Self

Social distancing doesn’t equal socially isolating, even if it feels that way.
It’s ok to need to talk at this time. If you need to, check in with yourself and use some of these resources that were made specifically to respond to the changes COVID-19 has bought into our lives. 

Creative Arts Industry Specific Support
Support Act
Support Hotline for Musicians, Performers, All Artists & Crew
Phone 1300 731 303

General COVID-19 Resources:
Beyond Blue Immediate Depression & Anxiety Support Hotline
Web Chat & Email.
Phone 1300 22 4636 

NT Mental Health Line provides free confidential support.
Phone 1800 682 288

Headspace Darwin have COVID-19 resources and support.
Phone 08 8931 5999 

Mensline focuses on mens mental wellbeing and family issues.
Phone 1300 78 99 78

Suicide Call Back Service is a free service for people who are suicidal, caring for someone who is or bereaved by suicide.
Phone 1300 659 467

Lifeline provides 24/7 free confidential crisis support & suicide prevention.
Phone 13 11 14

Wishing you all health and safety. Keep up to date with our From The Fringes Workshop Series and all program updates by following us on Facebook or by subscribing to our Newsletter on our website.

PS. We’d love to hear from you about what you may need at this time. Complete the quick form here. Stay weird. We love you xx