Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council Urges
Public to Vaccinate in Support of Arts Community
22 venues and organizations join the arts council in encouraging health and safety measures during in-person programming this fall and will institute proof of vaccine requirements for patrons.
PITTSBURGH – August 19, 2021 - In support of Pittsburgh-area arts venues and organizations, the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council urges the public to vaccinate, mask and follow emerging safety protocols in support of the arts community’s safe return to in-person events this fall.
The pandemic has disproportionally affected the arts industry nationwide. Locally, Pittsburgh’s arts and culture industry has experienced more than $48.5 Million in total financial loss as of February 2021, according to Americans for the Arts.
After a year and a half of halting shows, concerts and performances, venues and organizations regionally have worked hard to prepare in-person programming for this fall. “We all need to work together to combat the spread of this pervasive virus while also ensuring our arts community continues to thrive,” said Mitch Swain, CEO of the Arts Council.
Venues and organizations region-wide will continue to maintain and adjust their health protocols in response to the rapid spread of COVID-19. These health and safety policies will be reevaluated by each venue and organization as science dictates.
The public should expect to see a range of safety practices at arts facilities that are meant to provide additional layers of defense against the virus. These policies may include but are not limited to indoor mask mandates, temporary proof of vaccination, proof of negative COVID test, timed ticketing, enhanced air filtration and quality, touchless fixtures, enhanced cleaning, among other layers of protection.
“This is an investment in our community at large,” continued Swain. “Our arts community cannot provide the world-class, vibrant arts experiences that we’ve come to know and love without taking into account the safety of its frontline workers, artists, production teams, volunteers, staff and their families, alongside that of audiences who help keep our doors open.”
The growing list of organizations and venues joining in today’s announcement and who have adopted proof of vaccine policies include Attack Theatre, Belle Voci, City of Asylum, City Theatre, MCG Jazz, Off The Wall Productions/Carnegie Stage, Pittsburgh Public Theater, Pittsburgh Symphony, Point Park University’s Pittsburgh Playhouse, Quantum Theatre and RealTime Interventions.
This announcement is coordinated in conjunction with the downtown Cultural District venues who made a similar announcement today: Arcade Comedy Theater, August Wilson African American Cultural Center, Benedum Center, Byham Theater, Greer Cabaret Theater, Harris Theater, Heinz Hall, Liberty Magic, O’Reilly Theater and 937 Liberty.
Those that are not comfortable with returning to in-person events are encouraged to support the arts virtually this fall. Organizations will continue to offer digital programming. A list of digital arts programs can be found on the Arts Council’s arts events website, Artsburgh.org, and will continue to be updated throughout the season.
We encourage those seeking vaccination resources to visit the Allegheny County Health Department website or the nationwide resource vaccines.gov.
About the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council
The Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council champions the arts in Southwestern Pennsylvania, providing financial, professional, and political support for the arts and culture sector. Comprised of more than 600 diverse artists and nonprofit organizations, the Arts Council offers valuable research, legal and business consulting, networking and professional development opportunities so that artists, as well as arts leaders and organizations, can grow their skills and advance their practice. The Arts Council provides grants for artists and arts organizations, leads the region's arts advocacy at the local, state, and national level, and models best practices for accessibility and equity in the arts. Learn more at PittsburghArtsCouncil.org.
Media Contact:
Kristen Wishon
Director of Communications
Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council
kwishon@pittsburghartscouncil.org
412-391-2060 ext. 227