In March 2020, as cases of the novel coronavirus started to proliferate in Australia and the nation retreated into its first lockdown, live performances were cancelled and cultural venues were shuttered. By April, more than 50 per cent of arts and entertainment businesses had ceased operating. Almost two and a half years on, the effects of the pandemic on the country’s creative sector are yet to be fully understood. Data gathered by government and industry bodies tells a story of cascading cancellations, disproportionate job and income losses, and billions of dollars in missed revenue for one of the worst-affected industries. The future of the arts in Australia is as elusive as ever.
Our cover story reviews how, after the decimation of the past two years, the arts sector is cautiously welcoming back audiences. For the rising dance star Rhys Kosakowski, the hiatus set the stage for a celebration of unapologetic originality. Kosakowski is one of a kind and the true epitome of what T Australia is about; his positivity, curiosity and ability to pivot during challenging times shines through in the story and photographs.
Behind-the-scenes of the photoshoot for Issue #8, Kosakowski answered T Australia’s famous rapid fire questionnaire. Read a preview of our interview with Kosakowski here.
