abcd has submitted evidence to the DCMS regarding the effect of COVID19 on the arts and on choral music in particular. As the press coverage about the uncertain future of the arts gathers pace, we are making all the representations we can in support of our industry and of both professional and amateur singing.
The points we have particularly emphasised in our submission are:
- The social impact on communities of the loss of musical activity
- The importance of the sector to the economy - the professional and amateur choral sector is a vital contributor to the economy
- The need for clear guidance for all involved in singing - we all need clear and flexible technical guidance on when and how choral singers can rehearse and perform safely again. We acknowledge that singing may be a high-risk activity; this makes it all the more vital that guidance is clear for both professional and amateur singing in all situations.
- The need for research. We call for urgent scientific research on all aspects of Covid-19 that is relevant to choral singing to be examined with a view to informing guidelines specific to the needs of conductors and singers.
- The need for financial support. Our members at all levels have lost their income instantly. Professional choirs have lost all their income and financial support has been limited. Many amateur choirs will not be able to function on a small number of singers and we face the potential loss of choirs across the UK.
- Financial support for performance venues of all sizes, which will fold without support if only a small percentage of the usual audience can be accommodated.
abcd is a member of Singing Network UK and alongside our own representations, we have jointly been discussing representations to the government on restarting choral activity. A clear plan of how to resume singing is now urgently needed to support the mental well-being of the 2 million people who usually sing regularly in groups and the nation as a whole, including choirs' audiences, congregations and families.
There is also a significant economic impact from singing, of all kinds, on the livelihoods of musicians, teachers, venues, music publishers and other suppliers; currently jeopardised by the impossibility of group singing.
We agree what is needed:
- a UK-wide coordinated approach
- clear guidance which can be practically implemented in a variety of circumstances (one-to-one/group teaching, church choirs, choral societies, youth groups), in schools, professional and amateur settings
- a differentiated approach to rehearsals, teaching and public performances
- research to establish more conclusively the aerosol transmission risks for Covid-19 when groups sing in enclosed spaces
- support for venues and spaces, from schools to community halls, churches to arts centres, so that they are able to open again
- support for professional musicians (conductors, accompanists, music creators, teachers etc.) crucial to the return (and flourishing) of singing
- roll-out of broadband and digital training for all, so there is no-one left behind in a world which will remain at least partially online for a while
As part of Singing Network UK, we have pledged to advocate for the safe return of group singing with the UK government and the devolved administrations, emphasising the messages listed above. We encourage members to do the same, by writing to their MP or nation representative. You can see the joint letter which has been sent to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport and his counterparts in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales here.
We will inform and update members as soon as any guidance or advice has been received.
Posted: Mon 22nd June 2020
