Publication
COVID-19 Guidance for Arts and Culture
From Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media
Published on
Last updated on
The Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (No. 8) Regulations 2020 give effect to the level 5 restrictions set out in the government's plan for Living with COVID-19. Under these regulations, the following activity is considered an essential service:
the production of television and radio programmes, video, sound, digital or other electronic content and the broadcast or publication of the same to the public or a portion of the public
Under the Broadcasting Act 2009, broadcast is defined as the transmission, relaying or distribution by electronic communications network.
Any activity under either of these provisions should only proceed with strict adherence to the Return to Work Safely Protocols as published by Government. As such, these workplaces should be controlled environments with a named event organiser, owner or manager and with full protective measures in place.
The Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (No. 8) Regulations 2020 give effect to the level 5 restrictions set out in the government's Plan for Living with COVID-19. Under these regulations, the following activity is permitted:
the filming, or other recording of performances in a theatre, concert hall, museum or art gallery, without an audience present, for the purposes of broadcasting such performances on the internet, radio or television.
Under the Broadcasting Act 2009, broadcast is defined as the transmission, relaying or distribution by electronic communications network.
Any activity under either of these provisions should only proceed with strict adherence to the Return to Work Safely Protocols as published by Government. As such, these workplaces should be controlled environments with a named event organiser, owner or manager and with full protective measures in place.
Theatre Forum Guidelines around reopening arts centres can be found here: www.theatreforum.ie/forum-notice/reopening-arts-centres-guidelines.
Private/commercial classes are not provided for under Level 5 of the government’s Plan for Living with COVID-19, apart from where those classes fall into the definition of “Youth Work” as provided for under Section 3 of the Youth Work Act 2001.
The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (D/CEDIY) has published guidance to support the funded youth work sector. This guidance recognises the importance of the youth work sector in maintaining services throughout the period of the pandemic in a manner similar to education and childcare sectors.
It is recognised that some youth work programmes may include drama, dance, singing and other arts/culture elements. It should be noted, however, that that this guidance has been developed by and for the funded youth work sector not for commercial/private operators. The funded Youth Work sectors is defined under Section 3 of the Youth Work Act 2001 as follows:
"In this Act “youth work” means a planned programme of education designed for the purpose of aiding and enhancing the personal and social development of young persons through their voluntary participation, and which-
(a) is complementary to their formal academic or vocational education and training, and;
(b) is provided primarily by voluntary youth work organisations."
Before applying this D/CEDIY guidance, organisations should ensure that they meet the requirements of this definition around being a voluntary youth work organisation. That guidance can be found here: www.gov.ie/en/publication/58393-guidance-for-youth-organisations-on-resuming-full-services-after-covid-19.
The Health Act 1947 (Section 31A-Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (No.8) Regulations 2020, which give effect to the level 5 restrictions under the Plan, provide the list of essential retail and essential services which may operate under level 5 restrictions. This list does not include private or commercial music, drama or dance classes.
Education is, however, considered an essential service under the regulations. Under Part 2 of the schedule to the regulations, essential education encompasses primary and post-primary schools, and higher and further education where remote learning is not possible. Where a service provider considers that they fall into the essential education category e.g. as part of the national curriculum or as part of a specific, state-sponsored course of study, they should refer to the Department of Education’s guidance in relation to the operation of education services under Level 5 restrictions. https://www.education.ie/en/covid-19/
For further guidance regarding the Tourism, Arts and Culture, and Sport sectors follow this link