Our action plan for a safe and enjoyable Fringe
2020 began the same as any other year, but the world has drastically changed in recent months. The culture industry has taken a particularly big hit as artists have lost their audience and the public has lost their arts.
We believe in the need for laughter, emotions and thought-provoking performance. In 2020, we think it’s more important than ever to strengthen the arts and local community to give us relief from the loneliness, fear and boredom which has come as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
We believe this is possible to do in a safe way as long as we work together and adapt to the situation.
How do we adapt?
We have decided to invite artists only living within the Västra Götalands Region - going local.
Collaborating with fewer and well-established venues
Fewer performers/groups
Increased level of social distancing, hygiene and digitalisation
Limited audience, never exceeding 50 people
Artists
Due to the uncertainty surrounding international travel and the various stages of reopening in different countries, we decided to reschedule the bookings of artists outside Västra Götalands Region for later dates and focus on local artists on 3-6 September.
Venues
Together with our venue partners, we are forming Corona-safe strategies for each venue. Several of them have not had activities for the last couple of months and are very much open to discuss how to make the venue as safe as possible.
We will collaborate with the following venues to create safe routing and seating plans:
Frilagret
Hagateatern
Kulturtemplet
Trixter
Gathenhielmska huset
2 Lång
Stigbergsliden
At each venue, we have included a one-hour timeslot without audience or performers in between the performances in order to make sure audiences do not enter or exit the venue at the same time and to set aside enough time to clean the venue before and after each show.
With all of this year’s performances taking place at indoor venues, we can make each event ticketed and ensure the audience number does not exceed the recommended limit, which is not as easy to do with outdoor public gatherings.
In previous years, Gothenburg Fringe has made police applications for events in public space, but that is not applicable this year. (see source from Regeringen.se published 27 March 2020).
Audience
Tickets will be 100% digital this year, with pre-booking available as well as the option to purchase at the door using Swish, ensuring no physical contact is necessary.
For the audience, artists and volunteers, it’s important for all to have access to alcogel and soap in the toilets.
In advance of the performances, we will ensure clear communication with the audience, volunteers and artists about safety guidelines - safety information will be sent to all ticket holders in advance and there will be written and verbal advice given at the venue.
At the entrance to each venue, we will have a volunteer on hand, as well as markings on the ground, to ensure social distancing.
Volunteers
All volunteers will be offered masks, gloves and pocket alcogels in the interest of everyone’s safety.
They will be briefed on our safety procedure and inform all audience members of the necessary information before each performance.
Information
Gothenburg Fringe’s core organisational team has met, discussed and agreed upon the adaptation strategies. These will then be transferred to all volunteers who have signed up for supporting Gothenburg Fringe this year. In each venue, we will also place a folder with information regarding the restrictions and regulations. Each volunteer and organizer will also sign a paper confirming that they have read and understood the information.
Marketing towards audiences will from the middle of July always contain a reminder of not leaving your home if you are feeling sick.
What if someone gets sick during the festival?
We will inform volunteers and artists that they must cancel their participation if they have symptoms.
In the event of someone being diagnosed with COVID-19, we will take action in terms of considering cancelling the festival depending on which and how many people the person has interacted with. The core team will then discuss the procedure in consultation with 1177.
Risk Analysis
We have used Folkhälsomyndighetens (Public Health Authority) risk assessment document in order to plan a safe festival.
