Entertainment Assist: A Charity to help artists in need
Entertainment Assist, a national charity, has been established to provide crisis support, preventative assistance and education to all individuals who earn their primary income from the Australian entertainment industry and it was officially launched on Wednesday 31 August, 2011.
This week, at the Sofitel in Melbourne, an incredibly important charity launch took place.
Entertainment Assist, a national charity, has been established to provide crisis support, preventative assistance and education to all individuals who earn their primary income from the Australian entertainment industry and it was officially launched on Wednesday 31 August, 2011.
It is widely known within the entertainment industry that there is great disparity between public perception of our jobs and lifestyle (which is influenced by publicity and the media) and the reality of the health and financial circumstances of many in the entertainment field.
The nature of the industry is often such that performers experience long periods of unemployment. There are all kinds of issues which arise from this kind of situation, including loneliness and depression as a result of circumstances. The working environment, hours worked and the nature of the industry often leads to injury, illness and sometimes the use of and/or reliance on alcohol and drugs.
“Entertainment Assist has been set up with support from the Pratt Foundation, and it’s aim is to look after artists, musicians and theatre personnel when they are in periods of unemployment or when their careers are in difficulty”, said Ken McKenzie-Forbes AM, the Artistic Director of the Production Company.
“This help will come through financial support, education and help with health issues and emotional needs” said Mr McKenzie-Forbes.
Shane Jacobsen (Helpmann Award winner and star of the 2006 film Kenny) was the Master of Ceremonies for the launch, and stressed that while the charity will be able to offer some financial support, the main aim of Entertainment Assist is education and prevention.
“I have many friends who are in situations where they go from gig to gig, pay packet to pay packet trying to balance the books. It can get incredibly tough”, Jacobsen told AussieTheatre.com.
“I’m a patron of this cause. It’s not just a financial handout, prevention is better than the cure. We don’t want to give people a fish, we want to give them the fishing rod and teach them how to fish properly”, he said.
As a charitable organisation committed to providing direct benevolent relief for entertainers, musicians and backstage personnel in Australia, Entertainment Assist has established three special projects which will both assist and educate members in all facets of the entertainment industry.
Chairman of Entertainment Assist, Larry Pointing (pictured, left) launched these three major services, eliciting spontaneous rounds of applause, and murmurs of agreement from the crowd:
1. The production of a National Support Services Wallet Card – promoting the message that “it’s ok to ask for help”.
2. Education Programs which will work in conjunction with the National Support Services Directory, including professional development programs for the industry. These programs may include education in the areas of financial management, superannuation, contract negotiation and management.
3. Finally, Financial Support. Entertainment Assist aims to provide financial help to cover a wide range of needs referring people to specialist agencies where necessary and covering the costs involved. The idea is to provide help in a way which affords the individuals dignity and control.
As actor Matt Hetherington told AussieTheatre.com this charity is “long overdue, but very much appreciated”.
For more information on how to support this charity, or to take advantage of its services, visit www.entertainmentassist.org.au
Photos by Matt Edwards
