Earlier this week we wrote about how if you’ve had tickets cancelled due to COVID-19 closures, you should consider donating the value of that ticket.
One of the biggest events to cancel was the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, and now they’re encouraging guests to do just that. MICF has set up a donation process that allows guests to donate directly to the comedians whose shows were all cancelled due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
To donate to a comedian, head along to the MICF website, search for the comedian you want to donate to, and then add as many $5 tickets to your basket as you want for their April 19 performance. The performance is, of course, not real but the “tickets” you buy are being donated directly to the artist.
Additional donations can be made to the fund that MICF has set up to help performers and crew. Donations are tax-deductible.
Anyone who purchased tickets to MICF shows can also still donate all or a percentage of the ticket value. Contact the box office to do so via ticketing@comedyfestival.com.au.
MICF is an open-access festival, meaning anyone who pays their registration fee can perform. This means there are often lots of amazing emerging artists who take part in addition to big names. The cancellation (while necessary) will significantly impact the livelihoods of performers as well as support staff.