#LightSAred Campaign gives flailing event industry a voice
The #LightSAred Campaign calls for the flailing event industry to be heard amid the decimation of a business sector that was once thriving.
Hard lockdown measures in South Africa have halted the entire event, hospitality and tourism industries and concerns are that the South African government is either oblivious or impervious to the number of people that are being affected by this.
The #LightSAred campaign calls for the South African technical production and live events
Industry to stand together to make their voices heard on 5th August.
The industry, comprising of freelancers, venues, theatres, companies and businesses, plus all its thousands of employees have been unable to work since the blanket ban on all events, due to the Coronavirus, implemented in South Africa on 15 March 2020.
Similar initiatives have successfully taken place across the world where buildings, monuments, landmarks, structures and empty theatres have been illuminated in “Emergency Red” to highlight the enormous challenges facing live events, music and performing arts sectors.
In the UK, #LightItinRed saw over 670 buildings lit, while in Germany, the #NightofLight2020 had an incredible 9 000 sites lit.
#LightSAred South Africa!
South Africans in the industry are called to join the #LightSAred initiative to light buildings in red to raise awareness of the plight of the entire events industry.
Individuals, companies and anyone concerned about the future of live events can participate by lighting a building, an empty stage, a garden or any object in red, then taking a photo and sharing it on their social media platforms while including the campaign hashtag, #LightSAred.
The general public are encouraged to play a role by taking photos of red buildings and sharing them on social media.
The South African events industry is dying, and feels completely ignored with no feedback from the government.
The aim is for government and financial institutions to extend financial relief to those who earn a living in the technical production and live events industry until the industry is permitted to resume work.
In addition, the industry asks that the South African government engages with elected leaders within SACIA and the SA Events Council, and provides a platform for their voices to be heard.
Lastly, #LightSAred demands that the government recognize and support the Non-Profit
Organisations that are trying to sustain destitute members of the technical production and
live events industry.
“The events industry is aboard a sinking ship, and we are headed for the rocks.
Help us light the warning beacon and #LightSAred to remind government and private industry just how much is at stake.”
Visit the #LightSAred website to find out how you can participate.
