This post is meant to provide guiding questions for organizations considering how their operations will be impacted.
Visit DHEC’s dedicated site for COVID-19 information in South Carolina.
The SCAA is committed to monitoring the impact this virus outbreak will have on the creative industry. Please be on the lookout for emails and social media posts related to advocacy efforts specifically around this issue.
For the moment though, the SCAA has compiled some key items for you and your organization to consider as you plan for how your organization will respond. We also have a list of resources which we will update regularly to help your business/organization, and personal assistance as it relates to the arts.
Individual Artists / Freelancers
- Set your own boundaries to ensure your personal health is a priority and let your vendors / audiences / employers know.
- Make sure you have copies of written agreements / contracts for upcoming performances, presentations, or other engagements.
- If your engagement is canceled or postponed, especially if due to COVID-19, make sure you have a written communication detailing the reason and any pay adjustments.
- Reach out to future engagements to ask for an update and for their plans.
- Track the impact any postponements or cancelations have on your revenue, supply chains, etc.
Organizations – Internal Considerations
- Develop plans for work-from-home scenarios. What can or can’t be done remotely? If needed, will you require employees to work from home, or make it optional?
- Form a decision around non-essential travel, especially out-of-state travel.
- Re-evaluate refund policies and make decisions now before decisions around events are made.
- Look at your sick leave policy and consider how you will handle potential quarantines of employees.
- Stock up (if you can) on hand sanitizer, soap, and toilet paper (apparently).
- Share what you’re doing with colleagues.
- Document everything, including any impacts to revenues, donations, expenses, etc.
Organizations – External Considerations
- Consider what is happening in your community. What do people want to know and when will they want to know it?
- Provide resources to those who may be uncomfortable physically engaging with your organization.
- Limit traffic in / out of your facility, especially if you serve those most vulnerable.
- Clearly communicate your decisions if you must make changes in your operations or events.
Public Gatherings / Events
- The CDC has a guide to those responsible for planning large gatherings. Currently, the CDC recommends postponing / canceling gatherings of 50 or more people. SC Governor Henry McMaster has requested postponing or canceling events of 100 people or more.
- What is going on in your community?
- How many people (including vendors and participants) are expected to attend?
- Are your audiences made of a considerable number of those most vulnerable to COVID-19?
- What policies are your vendors adhering to?
- What are the legal triggers for cancelations or financial decisions in your vendor / performer contracts?
- What kind of sanitation plans do you have in place before, during, and after a gathering?
- Is there a digital option?
- Can you postpone, or will you have to cancel completely?
Potential Triggers for Adjustments
Below is a list of actions the SCAA has identified as key actions that could trigger major decision around your operations. We recommend identifying what type of action would trigger official changes to your operations or upcoming event:
- Immediate Contact with COVID-19 (staff / board / family)
- Local Community Trends
- “Recommendations” made by government officials (local / state / federal)
- “Directives” / “Closings” made by government officials (local / state / federal)
- State of Emergency Declarations
Additional Resources:
South Carolina Arts Commission’s COVID-19 Prep >>
Americans for the Arts COVID-19 Information >>
