Highways of Hope: Support Act

The Banding Together project set out to capture stories from a range of people connected with the Australian music community in the COVID-19 era. The hardships unearthed are raw and real, but meeting these challenges has inspired acts of compassion, resilience, talent and innovation.

Music is playing a key role in many of these undertakings; a universal language keeping us connected and lifting our spirits. These stories provide a positive focus, signposts to be celebrated along the Highways of Hope.

Support Act is a charity that delivers crisis relief services to artists, crew and music workers by providing assistance, advocacy and care for our Australian music and entertainment sectors. Their role has evolved significantly since the beginning of COVID-19 and they have risen to the many challenges caused by multiple lockdowns. Their ability to grow and adapt amidst the chaos of COVID-19 is an ongoing story we can be proud of. Fittingly it is also one that mirrors the qualities of the people and the art forms they support.

As part of our commitment to capturing and sharing great Australian music stories, the Australian Music Vault responded to the challenges of COVID-19 by creating a series of video stories that capture, in real time, the impact that this pandemic has had on the music community.

Banding Together is the music community’s stories; the Australian Music Vault has simply helped capture them.

If you, or someone you know – including those connected to the creative industries – are facing mental health challenges, please contact one of the following helplines: Support Act Wellbeing Helpline on 1800 959 500; Arts Wellbeing Collective; Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.