AS THE arts sector faces challenging times due to coronavirus, organisations are investigating how to provide exhibitions and other events digitally for people.
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This year's RAW Art Awards will be presented online with the region's artists and creatives presenting their work in an online exhibition.
Bendigo Venues and Events manager David Lloyd said the youth-based awards could suit an online showcase.
"These are challenging times, particularly with visual arts and performing arts," he said. "But there are ways to deliever (things) online).
"With all categories we have, we think we can still be assessing works and giving people the opportunity to display works.
"What's already started to occur (in the RAW Arts Awards) is the increase in digital works we are seeing as part of those exhibitions. The fact is it is not a major step for people under 25 to go online."
RAW Arts Award entries are open until April 20. Categories in the awards include visual arts, digital media, literature and performing arts.
"I suspect the number (of entries) might be low but that's a trend that occurs every year," Mr Lloyd said. "Entries do tend to come in the last week and even the last coupe of days.
"We will announce the award winners online on May 14 and, within that, find a way of most effectively doing an online showcase."
Mr Lloyd said while venues including Ulumbarra and The Capital are currently closed due to COVID-19, social media channels would play an important role.
"It's a day by day thing and we're (following) to the advice from the state and federal governments," he said. "We're finding a lot of national tours are cancelling, not because they didn't want to come, but because their entire tours are in limbo.
"The fact is we are wound down as venues but exploring something to potentially keep things happening through social media and pushing people to those opportunities.
"We will re-open as soon as we can. But while the front doors aren't open, we are open for business through online and the box office.
"There isn't much happening in our venues before August but as shows become available, we'll push them out."
For more details on the RAW Arts Awards visit www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/Services/Arts-and-Events/Raw-Arts-Awards
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