1. Make a comprehensive list of all the challenges encountered by Festivals in a time of COVID-19 (e.g., lockdown restrictions, physical distancing, loss of funders, cancellations, etc). 

• Financial insecurity 

• Limited digital resources (applying for grants without internet, etc) 

• Loss of opportunity to present work 

• Advocating for payment of partial fees 

• Advocating for re-booking of shows 

• Online content 

• Creative conversations 

• Rehearsals with smaller groups 

• Providing mental health resources 

• Providing food baskets 

• Commissioning works 

• Online residencies between artists 

• Connecting artists with other players of the industry 

2. What have been the impacts of lockdown restrictions on artists and technical crew? 

• Loss of income 

• Loss of physical space (and/or structure) to practice or perform 

• Struggle to create new works because of stress / mental health 

• Struggle to create new works with limited resources and limitations with technology 

• Designers (sound, lighting, costume, scenic) depend on physical spaces and productions to develop their work 

• Health risks for some of the technical crew that need to continue working to maintain venues 

3.  Example of COVID Safety Guidelines by the IATSE (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees) 

Link: https://iatse.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/stagecraft_reopening_guidelines_final.pdf 

The IATSE has places forward the Safety Recovery Plan for all crews working on productions as well as stage and live performances. Regarding live performances, the guidelines take into consideration the safety of crews while also being mindful of how audiences interact with live performances throughout all the stages of the presentation. Here are some of the guidelines they have placed forward. 

• Venues must have a written COVID-19 safety plan that is tailored for the needs of the crews and staff working in them. This includes coordinating activities related to prevention and control of COVID-19 amongst co-workers. 

• Local public health authorities should be notified and establish a proper liaison regarding the opening-reopening of any setting to make sure all COVID-19 prevention and control measures are consistent with federal state and local public healthcare guidelines. 

• There should be at least one or more COVID-19 Compliance Officers, who are specifically trained and hold responsibility/authority regarding COVID-19 safety compliance and enforcement in venues, as well as respond in case issues should arise. 

• All required PPE will be provided and maintained by the employer as part of safety measures. 

• Assurance of paid leave and income retention if the worker has fallen sick and needs time off. 

• Venues must be continually assessed for the adequacy of their preventive efforts and adjust their operations modified based on changing circumstances. 

• Effective communication, training, and support programmes should be established for successful application of a COVID-19 safety plan. 

How to provide feedback, amendments and additions:

The toolkits are open-sourced, continuously developed tools. Therefore, festival and cultural practitioners from all backgrounds and levels of experience are invited to expand these materials by adding their own contributions, building on the gathering of knowledge and insights shared with the whole festival-making community worldwide. Please email info@festivalacademy.eu for feedback, amendments, and additions.