Wauchope Community Arts Council has hit on a fun way to raise money at a time when its gigs are suspended due to coronavirus restrictions.
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The group is calling on supporters to make a donation towards a lighting upgrade.
Wauchope Community Arts Council will create a cardboard cutout to form part of a virtual audience for each person who donates $50 and contributes a photo of themselves.
Program director Krissa Wilkinson said while they weren't hosting gigs in the hall, they wanted to take the opportunity to upgrade the lighting.
That's how the fundraising will help.
Wauchope Community Arts Council has also received Port Macquarie-Hastings Council funding towards the lighting project.
The plan is for artists to make recordings in the empty hall, in a COVID-safe fashion, with the videos to be shared with supporters.
"The people that get the cardboard cutouts will be the virtual audience," Ms Wilkinson said.
"We know there are a lot of people that support what we do and are really missing live music."
Wauchope Community Arts Council provides cultural experiences which cultivate a sense of belonging.
The group's president, Deb Murrell, said the fundraiser aimed to allow people who would normally be in the audience to participate in a fun and virtual way.
She said it was important to re-engage the broader Mid-North Coast community.
"We have had no income since March, so it's difficult for us and all the musicians and artists we support," Ms Murrell said.
Eight scheduled gigs have been cancelled or postponed since March. Local musicians were slated to open each show.
For more information or to donate go to the campaign fundraising page on Trybooking.
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