Things seem to be looking up for NYC since its massive impact from the pandemic in mid-March. After nine months, the state is kick-starting its way back to normalcy. The city will soon see the return of outdoor events.
According to reports, musicians, dancers, and performing artists will be able to utilize outdoor spaces beginning March 1st, 2021. This means that outside events will officially make a comeback.
The “Open Culture” program will allow events to take place within the spring and summer months, ending on October 31. Musicians and music producers will once again be able to take the stage within an outdoor setting without having to rely on private/pop-up performances.
For events to take place, they must occur outdoors at approved locations as part of the Open Streets initiative. Performers will be allowed to partner with organizations for public performance permits. This will help to waive application fees, with the maximum charge decreased to $20.
Although outdoor events will be able to return in the spring, organizers will still be expected to follow COVID-19 guidelines set by New York State officials. There is no certainty as of yet what guidelines will look like by then.
The entertainment industry continues to be impacted financially due to the current pandemic. As states like New York slowly bring events back, the industry can gradually return to what it was before COVID-19. Until then, event-goers can look at small victories as hope for a future where concerts and shows will be back once again.