As Canberra enters a seven-day lockdown, there is a rapidly growing list of events that have been cancelled or postponed.
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The ACT government announced that Canberra would enter a seven-day lockdown from 5pm on Thursday after a case of coronavirus was detected in the territory community.
Among the events cancelled was the Handmade Market, which was due to return this weekend for the first time since before the pandemic began. While organisers are unsure if the market will be postponed to another date, there will be a virtual market run on its website.
The National Gallery of Australia announced it would close an hour early at 4pm on Thursday ahead of the lockdown.
"It continues to be a difficult time for everyone, including the arts community, and we send our best wishes to our members, visitors and all our loyal friends and supporters," a statement said.
"We hope art provides some comfort during these uncertain times."
The National Portrait Gallery will also close at 4pm on Thursday ahead of the lockdown.
"We hope you'll seek inspiration and creativity through the National Portrait Gallery's collection online, and we'll continue to stay connected with you via social media and our website," the National Portrait Gallery statement said.
The Canberra Museum and Gallery has postponed the opening of its latest exhibition, Spowers & Syme - which is run in conjunction with the National Gallery of Australia.
"The exhibition will open to the public when lockdown lifts. We encourage you to visit the exhibition and explore the artistic friendship of two significant women artists, Ethel Spowers and Eveline Syme," a Canberra Museum and Gallery statement said.
Smith's Alternative announced on its social media that it would not be opening at all on Thursday following the lockdown news. It will, however, sell takeaway vegan treats from its window.
Canberra REP's upcoming performance of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead has been suspended for the time of the lockdown. People who have purchased or booked tickets for the lockdown period will be contacted directly by REP staff. Decisions about rescheduling performances for the production will be made closer to the end of the lockdown period.
Canberra Theatre Centre will be closed to the public as of 5pm on Thursday.
"We will continue to work under the ACT Health guidelines, and remain committed to safely keeping performances on stage for the audiences of Canberra," Canberra Theatre Centre director, Alex Budd said.
"We're hopeful that this next week will be a circuit breaker and that we can return to live performance soon, with the safety of our audience, artists, and staff as our priority."
Here are the events we are aware of that have been cancelled.
August 12
- Lightbulb Improv at Smith's Alternative
August 13
- Smith's Irish Jam at Smith's Alternative
August 14
- Handmade Market at EPIC - although there will be a virtual market at handmadeaustralia.com.au.
- Marty Sheargold at Canberra Theatre Centre
- Phish + Phreak's Drag Takeover at The Boardwalk Bar and Nightclub
- Karl-Erik Paasonen at Smith's Alternative
- Gwen at Smith's Alternative
- BentSpoke Brewing Co's launch of its Astro Beer will be postponed to August 20.
- Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead at Canberra REP
- Legends of Lanyon Homestead with Tim the Yowie Man
August 15
- Handmade Market
- The Wholesome Show at Smith's Alternative
- Roll for Intelligence at Smith's Alternative
- Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead at Canberra REP
August 16
- Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead at Canberra REP
- First Nations People and Environmental Justice at Kambri Cultural Centre - to be postponed.
August 17
- Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead at Canberra REP
- Bang!! Beng!! Bing!! Bong!! Bung!! at Smith's Alternative
August 21
- Tales of Lake George at Lake George Winery - to be postponed until later in the year
September 13
- Jock Zonfrillo literary event
September 25
- Peter Doherty literary event
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