Here are some of the recommendations we have for opening the arts during COVID!!

We are making these recommendations as ways orchestras and artists can continue to perform and earn some form of income for their work. And to help them have fun in the process! Remember to see this as an opportunity instead of a challenge! And, Even if it is a little challenging, who isn’t up for a little challenge once in awhile!

1. Create proper social distancing performance in the park - - You can have performances outside in the fields or in the parks…. people can be sure to set their blankets or chairs the proper social distance apart… masks and hand sanitizers could be present or they must enter with masks on etc.. since there is already increased security in the parks, these security members could also help you pass out masks and hand sanitizers, and enforce socially distance seating. If you are worried about rain - you could always perform under an open air tent.

2. Have your concert by the pier or on the beach…. You could always have people sit on the boardwalk while you perform, or they could sit on the beach socially distanced… the orchestra could perform on  the water itself on a floating barge or raft or something…we have seen this done in different locations…or have the orchestra be on the pier performing …. while people are socially distanced - yet still able to hear the performance.

3. Ships Stuck At Port??? Take the Music to them!!!! Take a small group of your orchestra to the Port and perform there! Remember - this is an opportunity to find new and creative ways to bring your music to the people!! And to continue to raise funds for your group!! This concept is similar to the drive-in performances below - only in this case, people are on their boats!

4. Have drive in performances … where people come and park their cars, and the group performs… so people come by the carload and socially distance with their cars, OR  we have also seen people performing in parking garages!!! They already have a “reserved spot” (hahaha) just by showing up! Remember to put out your donation basket to collect funds and tell them about how they can donate online!

5. Have a bridge nearby??????? Put your orchestra members on the bridge! remember to practice social distancing and all will be set! During the day beautiful sunlight, or in the evening, lamplight is usually already present on pedestrian etc. bridges! If it is close to a parking lot, even better! Let the people listen to you from their cars, OR socially distance smaller groups in the parking lot, until you can have larger groups there! Once you are approved to have larger groups, you can still do the same! Have them sit in the parking lot, or grassy meadow or on the little hill close by - socially distanced!

6. Rooftop performances -If it worked during lockdown to keep spirits high, it will work after! only with appropriate social distancing and with more than one member of the orchestra! … even if these are just smaller performances… they are still possible and doable… this allows the orchestras / musicians to still perform in relation to the orchestra, and still accommodates for in person live performances. Again, people would be appropriately socially distanced in seating either on the roof top - - or down below….(depending on the rooftop)..

5. Flash Mob Performances - do you have a plaza close by?? small flash mob performances would be fun! People will be socially distanced apart you just have to be distanced as well - and don’t forget to put out a free will donation basket etc for people to donate to the group or individuals in the orchestra.

6. Offer smaller performances to continue to raise funds – through the summer - until larger performances can be offered outside, especially if there is a worry or concern about funding. This also enables you to keep artists, and offer them some support during this difficult time, as well as bring in some form of funding. You can do smaller public performances… so long as your orchestra and performers are still able to perform, this way people are still getting to experience your goodness and are also able to experience the performances throughout this time. Remember this is also a way for you to really begin to get new people interested in your orchestra, ballet, or whatever arts venue you are in. You can even feature just solos … a group of 4 or 5 musicians together.. .or feature a section. If you think funding is covered and you don’t have to worry about your orchestra, or ballet group or performing group - this would be a great way for you to help out those in the community at this time… but also, local artists.  You could have artists perform in smaller groups or clusters – or could even do some live performances... etc… the point is to offer these to begin to fundraise, in the case that you fall short for next season, or even just for the artists themselves, because they are struggling right now. You also are helping audiences gain a better understanding of the type of performing you can do… as well as new audience members…. that will return to your performances in the future. If your orchestra is set, or arts group is set, and you know they are all being paid throughout this time, then partner with another orchestra that is struggling - to help them to raise funds at this time, and to help them to get back up and running………. Remember, we are all in this together.

Remember you want people getting outside and getting the air right now (while following safety guidelines etc). That is very important, especially for immunity come the fall. If artists and performers can help with this at this time, by performing outside, that would be fantastic. Offer things outside while still continue to offer virtual things as well.

By offering things outside, you are giving your patrons a way to come and show their support for you and your organization. Again, put a donation basket out so they can make a donation - or tell them how to make a donation online - through your app or website.

If your orchestra or performance group has CD’s or DVD’s to sell, they could also sell them at these small outdoor events… and larger ones in the future as the restrictions ease. Also tell people how to access your on demand subscriptions and services!!!

We will post more recommendations here soon - but wanted to get these out to you as COVID lockdown restrictions are beginning to ease up. These are some of our beginning thoughts, however, we do have more we will be sharing with you shortly!!!! Remember to adhere, overall, to the guidelines where you live, but also get creative!!! Start thinking outside of the box and start getting creative with your solutions and bringing your music, arts, aka performances to the people!!! Keep up the good work!!! We are proud of all of you for doing what you can during this challenging time!

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