Platform Youth Arts aims to support future artists with their ‘Adopt a Seat’ campaign
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Platform Youth Arts aims to support future artists with their ‘Adopt a Seat’ campaign

Affected by indefinite closure and the cancellation of 2020 events due to COVID-19, Platform Youth Arts has launched an online ‘Adopt a Seat’ campaign to sustain the organisation that has supported thousands of young artists since 1996.

Since the shutdown in March, Platform Youth Arts (formally Courthouse Youth Arts) has had to cancel its extensive program of workshops, performances, exhibitions and events, normally held in the heritage Old Courthouse Building in Geelong’s Arts Precinct – resulting in financial losses for Platform Youth Arts and the artists supported through these programs.

The program, announced earlier this year, saw the organisation fully embrace a creative and inclusive community of artists and welcome a new era for Geelong with a fresh platform for youth arts.

In response to this unfolding economic crisis, Platform Youth Arts is calling on the Geelong community to ‘Adopt a Seat’ to ensure that the multi-arts organisation can continue its programming and support for young people.

There are 128 seats available to adopt within the Platform Performance Space, and each tax-deductible donation will help the organisation reach their goal of a full house by 30 June. Donors are able to select their own ‘virtual’ seat online, from A, B or C reserve, with the option to become a major donor and ‘adopt’ one of two armchairs on stage or one centre-stage sofa.

All campaign donors will then be invited to a patrons event, to be held later this year at Platform Youth Arts.

“It is critical that we support Arts across the sector; the Australian Bureau of Statistics reveal 53% of arts and recreation businesses have now fully closed,” says Platform Youth Arts executive producer. “Facing ongoing restrictions on large gatherings, financial recovery in the Arts is expected to take significantly longer than other industries.

“Platform Youth Arts has helped shape the lives of Geelong’s young creatives, and offers them a valuable space in the community. This is an important opportunity for our friends and supporters to invest in high-quality, contemporary arts programs that resonate with young people in our region.”

Donations can be made online via www.platformarts.org.au/adopt-a-seat

Photo credit: Leiko Manalang, Someone New Theatre Company