Carriageworks – a complex of 12 performance spaces in Sydney, Australia – has been saved from closure.
The company went into voluntary administration on 4 May due to COVID-19 causing an “irreparable loss of income”. Now a combination of private and government funding has allowed to venue to continue trading.
New South Wales Government will provide funding for five years, while foundation support came from Oranges & Sardines Foundation, Neilson Foundation and Gonski Foundation. A number of lease agreements have also been signed.
Commented Carriageworks CEO Blair French: “The risk of closure gave rise to a most extraordinary expression of community support that gave great heart to everyone involved with Carriageworks. The difficult voluntary administration process has been eased by the excellent work undertaken by the administrators as well as positive dialogue with state government and other key partners.
“We recognise the impact of this process upon our staff, artists, suppliers, farmers market producers and audiences and look forward to re-engaging all our stakeholders as we re-emerge with renewed confidence and strength into what remains an operational environment constrained by COVID-19.”
For now Carriageworks remains closed due to COVID-19 restrictions. Its next scheduled event is a Carriageworks Farmers Market in early August.