Golden Guitar winner Andrew Swift features in new lockdown-focused exhibition

Country music singer-songwriter and Golden Guitar winner Andrew Swift was just one of many stars who attended the photographic exhibition and book launch by photographer, and former Victorian Arts Minister, Heidi Victoria at Sofitel Melbourne on Collins last night, February 9th.

The entire collection features over 70 performing arts professionals, with each image accompanied by the subject’s own words. Both the exhibition and book gives people an insight into what people in the performing arts were doing when they weren’t able to perform during lockdown.

Victoria says, “This book and exhibition are an important historical record of just how innovative our industry can be, and how we adapt in order to continue doing what we love – and doing what gives the broader population such joy.”

As well as featuring Andrew Swift wearing his finest socks and Nooj Pub hoodie and photographed with his guitar, other personalities captured include Isaiah Firebrace, Marina Prior, Sarah Morrison, John Foreman, Kaitlyn Thomas, Garry Sweet, Denise Scott and Anthony Callea. Furthermore, Rhonda Burchmore is featured doing mosaics, and Bobby Fox renovates old game boy toys.

Swift shared his well wishes to Victoria on social media, saying, "Last night I had the pleasure of attending a photography exhibition where I was on display in my finest socks & @nooj_pub hoodie."

"It was to launch a book by @heidivictoriaphotography who captured people from the creative arts during the pandemic. What we were doing when we couldn’t work. Honestly, she’s lucky I had pants on in my photo. ?"

The beautifully presented, full colour 30x30cm art book is titled The Show Must Go On. A portion of proceeds of every book sold during the exhibition period goes to Entertainment Assist – a charity that is decided to raising awareness about mental health in the Australian entertainment industry. It’s important to note that five Australian entertainment industry workers try to take their own lives each week, according to the Entertainment Assist website.

The exhibition is free to view at Sofitel Melbourne on Collins, and runs until May 30.

The book retails for $59.95, with free postage within Australia for a limited time.
You can buy The Show Must Go On here.

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Image: Supplied