'Safe' is relative and 'risk' is a social construct. So how do we make those who work in the cultural sector and those who visit our spaces feel safe again? Leah Hamilton explores the conundrum.
Arts institutions across the globe have begun their re-opening process and it is apparent that just because officials announce it is safe to re-open, visitors and staff might not feel safe participating. How can we change that feeling?
The word safe has permeated the arts management lexicon since the pandemic began. When will it be safe again to open to the public? Is it safe for staff and artists to return to physical spaces? According to a recent study in the UK, audiences show an increasing desire to avoid large gatherings, and attendance is trending low, even considering reduced capacity due to social distancing requirements.
Until broader immunization is realized, it will be expected that cultural managers formulate a COVID-19 prevention plan that adheres to local, state and federal guidelines to make sure that everybody coming in contact with an organization will be safe. Currently, labor unions and associations are taking action to ensure artists and arts professionals return to safe working conditions. Still, artists across the globe are saying they have little-to-no communication or support from senior administration on the matter.
Herein lies a most pressing question for our sector in this pandemic: how do we make those who work in the cultural sector and those who visit our spaces feel safe again?... Keep reading on Arts Management
Arts institutions across the globe have begun their re-opening process and it is apparent that just because officials announce it is safe to re-open, visitors and staff might not feel safe participating. How can we change that feeling?
The word safe has permeated the arts management lexicon since the pandemic began. When will it be safe again to open to the public? Is it safe for staff and artists to return to physical spaces? According to a recent study in the UK, audiences show an increasing desire to avoid large gatherings, and attendance is trending low, even considering reduced capacity due to social distancing requirements.
Until broader immunization is realized, it will be expected that cultural managers formulate a COVID-19 prevention plan that adheres to local, state and federal guidelines to make sure that everybody coming in contact with an organization will be safe. Currently, labor unions and associations are taking action to ensure artists and arts professionals return to safe working conditions. Still, artists across the globe are saying they have little-to-no communication or support from senior administration on the matter.
Herein lies a most pressing question for our sector in this pandemic: how do we make those who work in the cultural sector and those who visit our spaces feel safe again?... Keep reading on Arts Management