This year's Melbourne International Jazz Festival—that is supposed to light up streets, corners and venues in Melbourne from 29 May to 7 June—has been called off due to COVID-19 pandemic. In a statement, the MIJF Board said:
"In recent weeks, the MIJF Board and management team have constantly and carefully considered the global developments of the COVID-19 pandemic, including reviewing the advice provided by the World Health Organisation as well as the Australian and Victorian governments.
In response to ongoing developments regarding the threat of COVID-19 and after much deliberation, and more than a little heartbreak, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Melbourne International Jazz Festival.
We share the disappointment of our audience and our artists that this decision had to be made—but feel it’s the right one. This decision has not been made lightly. The cancellation of so many events has a devastating impact on so many artists at all levels and cannot be overstated.
The flow on effect of these cancellations is also felt by arts workers, casual staff in venues and the many suppliers who work to deliver the events we love.
We will continue to investigate all possibilities for programming later in the year and remain committed to the delivery of our gender diversity initiative, Take Note.
We look forward to the time when our community can come back together and support the arts sector through participation—but only when safe to do so. For now, we must ensure the wellbeing and safety of our audiences, artists, volunteers and staff.
We hope you all stay safe and healthy and thank you for your ongoing support."
Meanwhile, the Melbourne Recital Centre box office will be in touch with customers who have bought early-released tickets to any MIJF show for the refund process.
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