In the United Kingdom (UK)K, #LightItinRed saw more than 670 buildings lit. Image via Facebook @LightSAinred
Code red: The South African events industry has declared a ‘state of emergency’. Here’s how you can help to paint the town red.
In the United Kingdom (UK)K, #LightItinRed saw more than 670 buildings lit. Image via Facebook @LightSAinred
The #LightSAred campaign will see the South African technical production and live events industry standing together to make their voices heard on 5 August 2020.
The industry, comprising of freelancers, venues, theatres, companies and businesses have been unable to work since the blanket ban on all events has been implemented in South Africa since March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Similar initiatives have successfully taken place across the world where buildings, monuments, landmarks, structures and empty theatres have been illuminated in “Emergency Red” to highlight the enormous challenges facing live events, music and performing arts sectors.
In the UK, #LightItinRed saw more than 670 buildings lit, while in Germany, the #NightofLight2020 had an incredible 9 000 sites lit to mention a few.
Well-known South African comedian Barry Hilton joined the initiative on his Facebook page:
South Africans are called to join in by lighting buildings in red to raise awareness of the plight of the industry.
Individuals, companies and anyone concerned about the future of live events can participate by lighting a building, an empty stage, a garden or any object in red, then taking a photo and sharing it on their social media platforms while including the campaign hashtag, #LightSAred.
The general public are also encouraged to play a role by taking photos of red buildings and sharing them on social media.
“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,” the non-profit organisation stated on its Facebook page.
“In addition we need the South African government to engage with elected leaders within the Southern African Communications Industries Association (SACIA)and the SA Events Council, and provide a platform for our voices to be heard.
“Lastly, #LightSAred demands that the government recognise and support the non-profit organisations that are trying to sustain destitute members of the technical production and live events industry.
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.
To find out more about the campaign, visit www.lightsared.org.za.