Is the arts sector returning to normal after two such disruptive and traumatic years? Audiences are returning and work is resuming, as the media reports a light at the end of a dark tunnel.

However, the harsh reality is that we are nowhere near normal. Dozens of Australians are dying every day due to COVID-19. Thousands of Australians with invisible disabilities are being left behind as the easing of restrictions prevents them from social engagement due to their immunodeficiency. Reports celebrate the return of audiences in high numbers, despite the fact that this has resulted in super-spreader events – an attitude that is blind to the lives both lost and compromised. The arts have been hit hard, but the arts sector and the government have a responsibility to adapt artistic practice to protect the lives of those at risk, and to ensure we don’t leave more Australians further behind in their access to live performance and creative industries.

Photo by UerDomwet / PxHere

I am an artist and, like many, faced a significant loss of income as a result of the pandemic. During this time, I was diagnosed with bowel cancer...