Charlotte Varcoe
THE annual Generations in Jazz festival is calling for financial support with board chairperson Peter Roberts stating the funding for the 2022 event is currently at a $240,000 shortfall.
The mammoth musical event has been given the green light for next year following its official launch over the weekend and the release of its updated strategic plan.
It comes following the cancellation of the event in both 2020 and 2021.
Mr Roberts said, based on conservative budgets conducted, the shortfall was due to extra expenses needed to be undertaken due to Covid-19 rules and regulations.
“These are expenses we will have to incur in relation to safe working practices, planning and Covid compliances,” Mr Roberts said.
“It is due to this we are looking towards the beneficiary programs which were for those who can understand the value of the event and have it continue for the musical education.”
Mr Roberts said the event would return next year “one way or another” with fall-back positions in place in case of a Covid-19 emergency.
“We have had two false starts which has been really sad because it is the first time I have been chairperson of the board, but we have made a firm commitment for 2022,” he said.
“It is a really important event, not just for our region, but for students and the music program right across Australia.”
Despite the event receiving the go ahead, Mr Roberts said board members were still expecting a number of interstate schools remaining cautious.
“I think we may lose a few schools because there are some who are shy of excursions but to date the registrations have been good.
“The reality is we have got to make this a community event and even if that means asking people to support the event in a small way, such as volunteers.”
Labelling the musical occasion as a community event, Mr Roberts congratulated the board members and volunteers.
“There are amazing things we can do for this event such as take this to an international level, which may include a virtual international event in the future,” he said.
Fellow board member Tony Wright commented on the newly adopted strategic plan, stating it was expected to use the unique experiences of the event for students, schools, educators and musicians.
“We put a fair amount of effort into our motivation and what we mean to do with the event,” Mr Wright said.
The strategic plan and beneficiary options are available for viewing on the Generations in Jazz website.
