#TheWeeklyRoundUp - 16.07.21

The Live industry in the UK welcomes likely return of full capacity shows later this month (CMU)

The live music sector in the UK has welcomed the news that full capacity shows will be able to return on 19 Jul in England as most remaining COVID restrictions lift on that day.

It was originally hoped that those rules would end on 21 Jun, of course, but they were kept in force because of concerns about the newer delta variant of the coronavirus. However, yesterday UK Prime Minister ‘Boris’ Johnson said that the plan now was very much to get rid of as many COVID rules as possible on 19 Jul, although a final confirmation of that is still pending until next Monday.

Some medical experts had cautioned against a complete lifting of regulations on 19 Jul given there has been another surge in COVID infections in recent weeks, and the removal of pretty much all the current rules relating to social distancing, face masks and home working will likely further escalate the spread of the virus.

However, because of the vaccination roll out, the current surge in infections has not resulted in a significant increase in hospitalisations – unlike during other surges – which is why the government is now more confident that the removal of the vast majority of existing COVID rules is a viable approach. It remains to be seen if that proves to be true.

But, for a live sector that has been pretty much unable to run commercially viable shows since March last year, the removal of social distancing in venues, and the reopening of clubs, is an incredibly welcome development. Plus, of course, in recent weeks the cultural industries have become increasingly frustrated that large gatherings for sporting events have become the norm again while venues and clubs remain in shutdown.

That said, while a date has now seemingly been set for a reboot of the live and night-time economies in England – future COVID surges, variants and lockdowns permitting – industry reps continue to call for more support from government, in particular state-backed cancellation insurance for larger scale events. Although the UK government has resisted calls for such insurance schemes previously, it has said it would consider that kind of support once most ongoing COVID restrictions have been lifted.

With all that in mind, the industry will continue to put pressure on ministers as it awaits final confirmation of the lifting of COVID rules next week and the return of full capacity shows.

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#MusicExchange: Adrien Conradie releases short film "The State of the Arts - The Forgotten Industry"(Music Exchange)

A brand new South African documentary, "The State of the Arts - The Forgotten Industry", is a compelling snapshot of the struggles faced by some of the country's entertainment and live-performing artists during the Covid-19 pandemic and the still-ongoing lockdown restrictions.

The short film weaves together stories of various entertainment artists, including Kyle Watson, TiMO ODV, Majozi, Goodluck, Dean Fuel, Lady Lea and others, who have been unable to derive an income even as restrictions eased for virtually every other industry in South Africa.

“The State of the Arts” director Adrien Conradie, aka Aidin Caye, DJ and producer, says he was inspired to undertake the project to showcase the difficulties faced by his colleagues and friends who are reliant on live performances for the majority of their income.

“At no point in the last 15 months have nightclubs legally been allowed to operate as they are seen to be high risk for the spread of Covid-19, and as much as the lockdown restrictions have eased as the time has gone by, the ability for our industry to operate has constantly been restricted, with very little support.”

Says Conradie: “Musicians who cannot work don’t just suffer financially; they grieve for the creativity and connection that their music usually brings. 'The State of the Arts’ is meant to shed light on our industry and to provide a platform for those who were prepared to share their experiences in the hope of educating and also comforting others who are going through the same struggle and knowing they are not alone.”

For anyone wishing to support the arts and the various stakeholders, there are initiatives like the South African Fund for Entertainment and Cash for Creatives.

Says Conradie: “If in watching these conversations you feel compelled to support your favourite artists but are unsure how to do so, the most important thing you can do is support their art. Buy their merchandise, watch their live streams, stream their music and, when Covid abates, buy tickets to their shows.”