Artsville Unhatched
February 13, 2021
Ask anyone in the music industry and they’ll tell you just how stressful the last year has been. From the financial strife of cancelled events to the sheer frustration of being unable to share and perform music, the industry is one of the many affected by government responses to Covid-19.
Mark Lenzo, CEO of the Illawarra Music Foundry, has experienced this first hand, losing his live performance centre due to the restrictions. But rather than sit down quietly and wait for the storm to pass, Mark has worked hard over the past few months to find Covid-safe solutions for the local music industry.
The culmination of these efforts is a mini music festival, “Artsville Unhatched”. Hosted outdoors by the Art House Café in Port Kembla, this festival will run over a full weekend and showcase 38 local bands and artists, including youth of the Illawarra.
The idea is to create an environment that provides joy and stress-relief for both musicians and audience. “The impact of music on mental wellbeing is well known,” says Mark. “This event gives musicians a chance to perform live again, and for everyone to release a little stress and pick up their mood.”
After 2020, the world needs a little optimism. And although numbers are limited and dancing still prohibited, a weekend of music is a great way to boost community morale.
