CAPE TOWN - #LightSAred campaign aims to raise awareness for the struggling events and productions industry by lighting buildings, structures and monuments in red.
The industry which comprises of freelancers, venues, theatres, companies and businesses has been unable to operate since the introduction of lockdown and keeping afloat proves ore challenging each day.
Similar initiatives have taken place successfully around the world by raising awareness by illuminating buildings and structures in an emergency red to highlight the challenges the live events, music and performing art sectors face during the pandemic.
A campaign in the UK called #LightItinRed had around 670 building lit up, while #NightofLight2020 in Germany had an enormous amount of participants with around 9 000 sites illuminated.
At the time of writing, #LightSAred has around 446 participating buildings and structures with information on participating buildings pinned on a map.
The initiative calls for any business or individual to join and take part by supporting the cause in the simplest of ways such as lighting your garden, empty stage or building in red and sharing the picture on social media with the campaign hashtag, #LightSAred shows your support.
"The South African events industry is dying, and we are being ignored. Our aim is for government and financial institutions to extend financial relief to those who earn a living in the technical production and live events industry until we are permitted to resume work. In addition, we need the South African government to engage with elected leaders within SACIA and the SA Events Council and provide a platform for our voices to be heard.
"Lastly, #LightSAred demands that the government recognize and support the Non-Profit Organisations that are trying to sustain destitute members of the technical production and live events industry," the organisation said in a statement.
"The events industry is aboard a sinking ship, and we are headed for the rocks. Help us light the warning beacon and #LightSAred to remind government and private industry just how much is at stake."
The live stream will take place tonight (5 August 2020) from 6pm to 8pm and can be viewed here: #LightSAred
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