Rachel Griffiths says the COVID-19 pandemic could be a good thing for artists because the devastation will inspire ‘profound works’
The COVID-19 pandemic has devastated the arts industry, causing movies and TV to halt production and live performances to be cancelled.
But on Thursday, actress Rachel Griffiths said the global health crisis could actually be good for the arts industry in the long run.
Speaking to TV Tonight, the 51-year-old actress said ‘profound’ movies, music, books and plays will be inspired by the coronavirus.
‘Monumental works will be born’: Rachel Griffiths, 51, (pictured) told TV Tonight on Thursday that the COVID-19 pandemic will result in ‘profound’ art
‘While we are escaping with Tiger King now, I have no doubt that profound and monumental works will be born of this moment acknowledging our collective vulnerability and need for meaning,’ she told the publication.
‘I think the work that follows plagues makes sense of our trauma and shines a light on our hope.’
Rachel said that Shakespeare wrote King Lear during the second plague of London, although this is not known for a fact.
Arts advocate: On Saturday, Rachel posted a photo with Prime Minister Scott Morrison (left), begging him to make the JobKeeper allowance available to freelance workers in the arts industry
She also said historic artists Anthony van Dyck, Titian and Hans Holbein the Younger ‘made amazing works while Europe was ravaged’.
On Saturday, Rachel posted a photo with Prime Minister Scott Morrison, begging him to make the JobKeeper allowance available to freelance workers in the arts industry.
‘Hey Scott Morrison and Josh Frydenberg, I just wanted to say you are doing a world class job and I appreciate the speed that you are reaching the needs of desperate Australians,’ she captioned the post.
‘But I am BEGGING you to broaden the safety net to causal/freelance workers who have contributed hugely to the Australian economy and to our cultural life.
Standing up for her workers: Last week, Rachel posted a picture from the set of Ride Like A Girl, pleading to the Australian Government to assist the freelancers who worked on the film. Rachel is pictured with actress Michelle Payne at the film’s premiere
‘Our arts workers and industry professionals have mortgages and families too. Our contribution to the economy is worth billions. They have real jobs just not a single how employer.
‘I am praying for you to find compassion on this issue as I am waiting for the Lord’s resurrection tomorrow with faith that you will see the fairness of making JobKeeper available to those who’s productions were shut down and to allow job seeker even if The professionals partner still has employment. God bless you.’
Rachel directed biopic Ride Like A Girl, which was released late last year.
Last week, she posted a picture from the set of the movie, again pleading to the Australian Government to assist the freelancers who worked on the film.
‘Our entire industry is currently shut down. They are not eligible for small business bailouts. They are not eligible for JOB KEEPER even if they were currently under a contract. Not eligible for JOB SEEKER if their partner is still working,’ she wrote.
‘Please Scott Morrison and Josh Frydenberg, don’t leave our artists and industry professionals out in the cold. The arts contribute more to the domestic economy than many industries receiving bailouts.’
As of Thursday, the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in 6,449 confirmed cases in Australia, which has caused 63 deaths.
Current situation: As of Thursday, the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in 6,449 confirmed cases in Australia, which has caused 63 deaths