Sam GreenwoodEPIC is the representative body for the Event Production Industry during Covid19. In response to the crisis in the live event industry, it was created during the Covid19 pandemic to represent the interests and concerns of the individuals and businesses involved in producing live events and performance.
Events and those who work to bring them to life are a much-loved part of our society, and while we can’t wait for them to come back, we only advocate such changes when it can be done safely. It’s easy to overlook the sheer amount of people, skills and preparation involved in getting an event off the ground. This involves huge resourcing, from lighting and stage builds, to sanitisation and health and safety – now more important than ever.
For the events and live music industry to continue, they need to be supported, especially now as they prepare for what’s to come. Unfortunately, in Ireland, many event-production employees are not eligible for the Covid support payment. While yesterday’s budget announced a specific support for the live music industry, we’re curious to see how this funding will be dispersed.
EPIC reflect on the announcement below.
EPIC broadly welcomes that the non-funded commercial events and entertainment sector has been recognised as separate to the funded Arts Industry for the first time – a €50 Million funding allocation, given the right circumstances, will have a very positive impact on the return of safe live events in 2021.
EPIC asked the Government for immediate and concrete support to scaffold this viable industry until it is able to safely return to capacity in all its glory. EPIC sees measures such as decreases in the VAT rate, clarification that PUP recipients can work occasional days without losing their payment, support for grass root areas such as musical societies, drama societies, stage schools and dance schools as big steps in the right direction for reopening.
Opportunity Missed to Support Specialist Suppliers in CRSS Scheme
It is very clear that the Government has listened and engaged with us and while we welcome the package announced EPIC do have concerns.
Questions arise as to why the CRSS scheme excludes many of EPICs members:
● EPIC has always stated the importance of specialist SME businesses. There is nothing in this budget for these key cornerstones of the live industry, some are now just days away from collapse and immediate funds are needed to save them.
● These businesses have had little or no income since March and it will be well into 2021 before they start to trade again. These special SME’s include:
● Audio and lighting suppliers, staging, specialist health & safety consultants, specialist security, providers of fencing, sanitation, site services, power, specialist public relations and marketing companies plus a myriad of other critical suppliers to this diverse industry.
● Without these suppliers, there are no concerts, no festivals, no events, no outdoor shows. The very welcome €50M to the department of Culture will go unused if there is no SMEs to work at these shows.
● The CRSS is not open to them as they do not have public-facing businesses.
● Restricting applications to Level 3 and above prohibit many of them who cannot operate regardless of the level.
It has been 215 days since employers, workers and freelancers from viable operations in the Live Entertainment and Events Industry were mandated too close. The Non-Funded Event industry supports over 35,000 jobs, contributes over €3.5 billion Euro to the economy and in excess of 3 million annual bed nights to the wider tourism sector.
