The sydney” data-link-name=”in body link”>Sydney arts centre Carriageworks has gone into voluntary administration after Covid-19 shutdowns resulted in an “irreparable loss of income”.
One of the largest multi-arts centres in Australia, Carriageworks is known for hosting a huge range of creative exhibits and festivals, with news of its demise triggering shock and dismay in the arts industry on Tuesday.
Since New South Wales placed bans on large gatherings in mid-March, Carriageworks has been forced to cancel or postpone all its major upcoming events, including the Sydney writers’ festival, Mercedes-Benz fashion week Australia and its popular weekend markets.
As a result, the company released a statement on Monday announcing that it had appointed voluntary administrators.
“Carriageworks generates 75% of its revenue outside of government funding, primarily through on-site events and programs,” a spokesperson said. “The sudden cancellation or postponement of six months of activities due to restrictions on public gatherings has resulted in an irreparable loss of income.”
The chief executive, Blair French, said the company had stood down all its casual staff and half of its permanent workforce.
“[We] asked those remaining to move to a three-day week. Focusing…
