Atholl resident reaches out to performing arts community
ATHOLL – Atholl resident and performing artiste Vicky Friedman recently spearheaded the formation of Noah's Art, for performing artistes in need.
More than one thousand performing artists and their families have been supported during the storms and floods of Covid-19 since January this year by Noah’s Art, the brainchild of Atholl resident Vicky Friedman.
Among these performers are ballerinas, deejays, drummers, saxophonists, singers and theatrical stars, to name a few. “Entertainers have been hard hit by Covid-19,” said Friedman who has been involved in entertainment for many years, as a performer, choreographer and director. “Sadly, many in the industry have been without work for a year-and-a-half.”
Friedman said she had heard many stories of performing artist friends who had had to sell their homes and cars, and live on one meal a day.
In January this year, she gathered together a team of seasoned, like-minded professionals: Lorri Strauss, Shelley Meskin, Talia Kodesh, Caryn Katz, Sharon Spiegel-Wagner, Hannah Rudnicki and David Matamela to form Noah’s Art.
The initiative is named so because it’s primary objective is to help performing artists and their families stay afloat during the flood of uncertainty created by the pandemic and resultant economic conditions.
The initiative provides food vouchers and parcels, and offers valuable support to struggling performing artists.
“Many performers have tried online performances. However, funds raised through online streaming don’t necessarily cover the costs of putting on a big production, taking into account the salaries needed for production and performing staff, costumes, lighting and stage design.”
To give an example of the relentless determination of the artistic community, she said a group of performing artists in Alexandra (made of traditional dancers and drummers) had started a delivery service to supplement their income.
Friedman believed nothing could replace a live performance and dreams of the day the red curtains would open again in all their splendour.
Support Noah’s Art through donations of any kind.
Details: Noahsartcharity@gmail.com
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