How to Support Local Artists during COVID-19

INTRO

Following the start of the pandemic, the arts industry has been one of the most overlooked industries in Hong Kong. While mainstream artists have the benefit of a pre-established following and fanbase to rely on for views and listens (be it visual arts or music), smaller groups of artists have faced immense struggles. This can be illustrated by how the unemployment rate for actors has risen from 24.7% in 2019 to 52.3% in 2020, whilst that of other types of artists has gone from 3.3% to 8.5%.

Although the pandemic has been and still is preventing us from going to galleries or concerts, it is important to take advantage of virtual opportunities that have arisen.

VISUAL ARTS

With the enforcement of social distancing restrictions, many photographers do not have the opportunities to do as many photoshoots as they did prior to the pandemic, leading to the loss of their primary source of income. If there are any photographers you follow or know, ordering prints of existing photographs is a great way to support them.

In certain areas, some art galleries are starting to open up to the public. Consider visiting the Hong Kong Museum of Art in Tsim Sha Tsui, which has a collection of over 17,000 items representing pieces that not only embrace Hong Kong’s culture, but also cultures from across the globe. Many art galleries across the world also have virtual tours, such as Musée d’Orsay.

MUSIC

Globally, a six month shutdown is estimated to cost the music industry more than $10bn in sponsorships. The industry is trying to resist by monetizing music consumption in a more innovative manner, such as by having virtual concerts or much smaller events. Unable to arrange concerts, many artists have resorted to selling merchandise, so visiting the Instagram profiles of your favourite artists to find out if any merchandise is being sold could be a good idea.

Furthermore, since the wake of the pandemic, the ways in which people listen to music has also changed due to the trend of digitalisation: streaming apps are becoming increasingly popular, more so than records and CDs. Some vinyl shops in Hong Kong include: White Noise Records in Prince Edward, Zoo Records in Mong Kok and Percival Records Company in Central.

PERFORMING AND DRAMATIC ARTS

Although Hong Kong has managed to keep a good track record of managing COVID-19 infections, the social distancing rules used to combat the virus have greatly disadvantaged entertainment venues. Luckily, the world responded rapidly by converting physical performances to online performances. However, the pay per performance on average drops by 20-50% when changed to online, so a good way of supporting performing artists is to raise awareness of online shows and lessons being held in order to encourage as many people as possible to join.

Many performing artists have had to put their plans of being on stage to a halt, and have instead turned to online teaching. Enrolling in classes is an excellent way to not only improve your skills, but also to support others during the pandemic.

STREET STYLE ART

Within the first 5 months of 2020, the tourism in Hong Kong dropped by 88.2%. This took a significant toll on local artists who relied strongly on tourism, such as the shops in Cat Street or the Ladies Market in Mong Kok. It is important to continue visiting these iconic landmarks as they are what makes Hong Kong a city of art and culture, for both tourists and residents.

TO CONCLUDE, GROUPS IN HK THAT SUPPORT THE ARTS