Tara Murray
Dazzling Dan the Magic Man has continued to wow audiences throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dan Bingham, who is the vice president of the Australian Institute of Magic, would normally have his weeks filled with children’s and adult’s parties, functions, schools, agricultural shows and shows retirement villages and aged care facilities, but this has not been possible under lockdowns.
But the full time professional magician has been able to continue his business after being a recipient of a $4000 arts and culture COVID-19 recovery grant from Geelong council.
The grant allowed him to set up a home studio so he can stream live magic shows during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I had a month of magic shows lined up in August and many would have been cancelled had it not been for the grant,” Dan said.
“Nursing homes all over the Geelong region were deeply impacted by lockdowns and unable to have visitors on-site, but I was still able to connect with residents by live streaming my shows.”
The council has helped to support performers across the city by committing $510,000 to help those in the arts sector.
Deputy Mayor Trent Sullivan said it’s vital the council continues to support its creative community, who’ve been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The pandemic has had a devastating impact on our cultural sector, through the cancellation of gigs and events, the closure of cultural facilities, and the overall economic downturn,” he said.
“The grants have helped support our creative community and artists like Dan to keep performing and safely bring a smile to people’s faces.”
