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Representatives of the arts sector are seeking the publication of a roadmap for reopening expressing concern it is in “the danger zone” with fears of a loss of artists and audience.
Angela Dorgan, chairwoman of the National Campaign for the Arts (NCFA), said her organisation wants information now on when arts venues will be allowed to increase capacity so that they can make plans.
Fianna Fáil Senator Malcolm Byrne criticised the lack of an agreed roadmap saying he does not accept that an aspiration to have one by the end of August: “represents any sort of coherent government policy”.
He has written to Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Minister for Culture Catherine Martin calling for the Minister and government officials to meet the arts sector by the end of next week to agree a clear roadmap for reopening.
At present just 50 people are allowed in theatres while other outlets for artists are also restricted like the ongoing ban on live music in pubs.
Ms Dorgan said the sector has been hit by the pandemic for more than 500 days and it’s “hurting artists and arts workers” to the point where they’re considering leaving the sector.
She pointed to Arts Council research that shows that 48 per cent of professional artists surveyed have considered abandoning their career over the last year.
She also raised concerns at the impact on audience levels both because there will be less art for them to enjoy and as they become more used to not going out and not booking gigs.
Ms Dorgan said the sector was aware of the regulations that allow 200 people to attend organised events outside.
She said most in the sector understand the rule to involve 2 metre social distancing and she said there is an “urgent need for guidelines”.
The Government confirmed on Wednesday that up to 200 people are allowed at certain outdoor events in the wake of controversy over an outdoor event hosted at a hotel by former minister Katherine Zappone.
As the NCFA seeks information on the reopening Ms Dorgan said: “There’s great frustration when we see other sectors getting back to life”.
She said the sector is willing to implement public health measures as “Nobody wants to put anyone in danger of being unwell”.
But she said: “Most of the population vaccinated. We’re not getting clarity on what is it that makes it different for us to reopen.”
She credited the minister, Catherine Martin, with fighting for arts since she took office and for providing supports but called for the roadmap for reopening to be published.
Fianna Fáil Senator Mr Byrne argued that “arts and entertainment are not being given sufficient priority, in spite of the fact that those involved have been among the worst impacted by Covid over the last eighteen months.”
A spokeswoman for the Department of Culture said the Minister is working with Cabinet colleagues to “provide certainty for the sector around a reopening plan at the earliest possible date.”
Ms Martin is said to have written to the Minister for Health and the Expert Working Group on Rapid Testing to establish if the Digital Covid Certificate - that provides proof of vaccination, PCR testing and antigen testing could play a role in the reopening of the live entertainment sector.
The spokeswoman said: “The Minister will be working with Government colleagues, throughout August to chart a clear roadmap for the re-opening of the sector.”