The arts and creative industries are feeling the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation as NORPA and Lismore Regional Gallery announced this afternoon that all public performances and programs are suspended or cancelled until further notice.

NORPA

A statement from NORPA announced that all performances at NORPA and Lismore City Hall between now and April 30 have been cancelled or postponed, and new dates for shows will be confirmed in the future by email and social media.

Following is a list of affected performances:

Postponed – new dates to be confirmed

Ross Noble | Tues 24 March 2020; Backbone | Fri 27 & Sat 28 March 2020; Taylor Henderson | Sat 18 April 2020; and World of Musicals | Sun 17 May 2020.

Cancelled

Sleeping Beauty | Mon 30 & Tues 31 March 2020; and The Choir of Man | Fri 3 April 2020.

The NORPA Box Office will make contact with ticket purchasers for the cancelled performances via email and/or phone. 

“We'll be in touch with ticket purchasers for postponed performances when new dates are confirmed, which we expect to happen in the coming weeks”, a NORPA statement said.

“This is a very challenging time for NORPA, arts workers and the wider industry. 

“If you’re able, you can support us by choosing a gift voucher for future use or a tax-deductible contribution instead of a refund. Your generosity and support will help NORPA survive beyond this extraordinary scenario. 

“Theatre connects us and nurtures community. As we navigate our way through this precarious time for NORPA and the wider arts community, we appreciate and thank you for your support."

Lismore Regional Gallery

Lismore Regional Gallery exhibition space is still open, but public programs in the Gallery and the Quad are suspended until further notice.

This includes upcoming exhibition openings, the Dorian Gary performance, Renjie Teoh workshop, Biennale of Sydney public talk, Thursday Night Live, Hannah Cabinet openings, our very first Quick Draw Club (sad emoji) and the Lismore Youth Festival.

Quad program Tai Chi will be cancelled until further notice.

Lismore Regional Gallery director Brett Adlington said existing ticket holders for workshops will receive a refund if the event is not going ahead, or for those people taking part in our after-school workshops – a partial refund.

“At this stage we will remain open to the general public, but given the shifting nature of this event, full closure of the gallery may be a likely scenario,” Mr Adlington said.

“We will naturally advise if this eventuates.

“We will be working with some of our partners to investigate delivering aspects of our programming remotely.

“These are very peculiar times as we all navigate our way through this together. While our day to day lives are being impacted upon – please remember the power of the arts.

“Read, watch movies, play music, dance, share stories (and don’t forget to exercise!). Also think about those artists who will be dramatically affected by this situation.

“So many will be doing it tough in the coming months, so please assist where you can so that we can all bounce back to keep our culture alive.”

Other cancellations and closures in Lismore:

Relay For Life postponed to later in the year

Friends of Koala cancel tours

Public libraries to close for two weeks

Gemfest, Speedway and Rochdale Theatre - the latest cancellations

Coronavirus - what is happening to our local events?

Coronavirus