Mildura Arts Centre's (MAC) latest online innovation to break down the barriers of COVID-19 isolation has proven a hit with local audiences and artists alike.
MAC earlier this month launched its new online live music streaming event, Backstage Pass, providing an outlet for local musicians to continue performing live music, despite the impacts of the pandemic on local venues.
The first Backstage Pass was streamed live via the MAC Facebook page and received 2500 views and 170 comments from audiences who took in the performance.
The debut stream featured local music duo Iwan and Andrea, who wrote a song especially for the stream, which premiered on the night - Love is a virus.
Councillor for Arts and Culture Jason Modica said Backstage Pass was a great way to support and showcase local musicians.
"As the operators of a popular live venue, the MAC team is certainly aware of the severe impacts of COVID-19 restrictions on our local live music scene and decided to come up with a way to support local musicians during these difficult times," Cr Modica said.
"Backstage Pass provides a fantastic way to do this. It allows local acts an outlet to exercise their passion to perform live, while at the same time bringing joy to people in lockdown at home."
Backstage Pass is set to become a regular addition to MAC's ever-growing suite of online services and programs and will be streamed live once again on Friday 22 May, featuring Penn Farmer with Natalija Havrilenko.
