Resources for Reopening
Our research team collected artifacts, tools, and resources to consider when structuring reopening protocols. Scan below for reopening safety guidelines, guidance from researchers and government, and helpful articles as you plan for in-person audiences.
Reopening Guidelines from Arts and Cultural Institutions
A number of European orchestras and operas reopened this summer. See an overview of their strategies and lessons learned. American orchestras that are reopening include the Utah Symphony, Richmond Symphony, Jacksonville Symphony, and Dallas Symphony Orchestra.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art reopened for visitors at the end of August and has listed extensive guidelines and policies online to prepare patrons for their visit. Another museum, the Guggenheim, has opted to reopen in October with special early access for members. The Guggenheim has published an FAQ about visitor policies during the pandemic.
The Brooklyn Ballet’s reopening strategy involves a COVID-19 questionnaire, 25% capacity, strict sanitation protocols, and a new ventilation system (HVAC) compliant with CDC regulations. Boston Ballet worked with medical consultants and AGMA, the dancers union, to finalize a reopening plan that is safe for dancers and patrons alike.
The Ignite Theatre Company’s reopening plans contain three phases, with clear metrics for readiness in each area.
Santa Fe Opera has opened due to the unique nature of its open venue. Although the spacing is outdoors, this organization has created a robust Health and Safety page on their website including a link to the CDC Coronavirus Self-Checker.
Guidance From Researchers and Governments
After interviewing nine arts organizations that represented a variety of disciplines, budgets, and regions, the National Endowment for the Arts’ Office of Research & Analysis has summarized the key strategies that led to a successful reopening. Read about their 6 practical tips for reopening here.
Americans for the Arts has pulled a comprehensive list of resources and responses to the COVID-19 world. The center is closely monitoring the changes and regulations for organizations, individuals, field tools and research, mental health, equity, and reopening and resources divided into state, county, and local plans and guidances.
The American Alliance of Museums recently updated a resource guide to help museums plan their reopening strategies. Steps include: developing a phased timeline, coordinating locally, assessing conditions, and prioritizing health and safety - to name a few. A summary can be found here.
Researchers in Berlin have published orchestra spacing regulations.
Dance USA’s Task Force on Dancer Health offers a guide for returning to the studio.
According to the CDC’s considerations for gatherings, features of the safest in-person gatherings include mask wearing, using outdoor venues or locations, and inviting a limited number of people that come from the same local area or community.
Early results from a study of aerosol spread by wind instrumentalists/singers reaffirm that when indoors, the risk of coronavirus infection spikes. Using a canopy tent with fully open sides reduces risk.
For orchestras and opera companies, Schott/EAM has compiled a list of concert repertoire deemed appropriate for social distancing. UE has compiled a list of reduced instrumentation versions of major opera & orchestra works to comply with capacity limits & social distancing guidelines
Out-of-Industry and Other Useful Resources
Houston Clean is the product of the unified effort of businesses in the Houston community to present a consistent health and safety operating model for visitors. All Houston Clean certified businesses follow guidelines with a commitment to follow the federal, state, local, and CDC recommended health and safety regulations.
WELL Health-Safety Seal is a campaign that was launched in 2021 and is supported by influential celebrities including Michael B. Jordan, Robert DeNiro, and Venus Williams, and Jennifer Lopez. The goal of the campaign is to give people confidence that their public, shared spaces follow a standard of cleanliness and safety. If the WELL Health-Safety emblem is present, people should feel confident that they can go inside and stay safe.
Hilton CleanStay offers frequent cleaning of high-touch areas in rooms and public areas, contactless key cards, multiple layers of protective equipment, and disposable food/drinkware.
Guidelines for customer service when guests won’t wear masks include training employees, creating strength in numbers, and posting signs and information wherever they might reach customers.
The National Retail Federation has created operational guidelines for stores that are reopening, including a comprehensive checklist.
Reminder of Key Safety Protocols
In our scan of arts organizations’ reopening plans, we observed the following trends across the board:
Require mask wearing and a minimum distance of 6 feet or 1.5 meters between people, often incorporating plexiglass or other barriers between parties.
If weather permits & space is available, transition to outdoors where the risk of transmission is significantly reduced, using an open tent or canopy. Or understanding the layouts of your specific venue’s airflow dynamics can allow for specialized seating to decrease the likelihood of infection (see example from USUO)
Opt for programming that allows a reduced ensemble size. In particular, consider beginning with strings and/or percussion only, adding wind and brass instruments or vocals when it can be done safely, or when the aforementioned airflow dynamics allow it.
Install plenty of sanitation stations, air filtration systems, and regular sanitizing protocols to follow in public places.
Providing voluntary or mandatory temperature checks upon entry, but be aware that temperature checks may be little more than security theater.
Offer contactless ticketing services with online reservations or purchases and close box offices to avoid walk ups.
By shortening performances and taking away the intermission lessens the risk of exposure and takes away opportunities for potentially harmful mingling.
Clearly communicating restrictions for moving around in the space before and during the visit (for example, staggering entries and exits is a great way to control the flow of traffic in the venue and limit people’s exposure to one another).
Encouraging patrons in the US to use the CDC’s Coronavirus Self-Checker