Resources to Support Arts Organizations and Artists During COVID-19 Emergency

Reopening Guidelines 

(Updated 05/17/2021)

Check back for updates. Protocols are subject to change as health guidelines are updated. Anticipated changes for June 15 are forthcoming.  

Find general information and links here: Check if a business can be open | San Francisco (sf.gov)
Click here for updates from the Mayor's Office

Click here for updated guidelines on masks and face coverings for the coronavirus pandemic

Commercial Art Galleries (retail)
Commercial art galleries can open indoors up to 50% normal capacity, with attendees being able to stay 6-feet apart. See indoor retail guidance. 

• For events and exhibition protocols, see the Museum/Nonprofit Visual Art Spaces section below.
• Opening receptions and unseated events are not permitted at this time. 

Museums/Nonprofit Visual Art Spaces
Museums and nonprofit visual art spaces can open indoors up to 50% normal capacity for each room, with attendees being able to stay 6-feet apart. Museum cafes and stores can be open if following appropriate protocols. See museum guidance.

• Group reservations and guided tours are permitted, subject to distancing and masking requirements at all time.
• Auditoriums may open for screenings in accordance with the Movie Theater Guidance.
• Auditoriums may open for live events and performances with live audiences in accordance with the guidance for live events and performances. 
• Interactive exhibits must be cleaned and disinfected at least once daily, or more frequently if required by industry standards. Indoor Museums must provide hand hygiene stations near any high touch element. 
• Coat checks can reopen.
• Indoor artist talks, panel discussions, small events with ticketed audience/guest list and assigned seating, in accordance with the conference, meeting and reception guidance. 
• Opening receptions and unseated events are not permitted at this time. 

Conferences, Meetings and Receptions (private events, seated gatherings)
Conferences, meetings and receptions (CM&R) without tickets/guest list are not permitted, but CM&R are permitted, in accordance with the conference, meeting and reception guidance.

• All Conference, Meetings and Receptions:
  • Attendees must have tickets or the host must have a defined guest list. 
  • Attendees and staff must wear masks and follow distancing safety protocols.
  • A seating chart or assigned seating is required. 
     
• Outdoors:
  • Limited to 200 guests, or up to 400 guests over the age of 12 if proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test is provided. 
  • Food and beverages are allowed, following safety rules for outdoor dining. 
     
• Indoors:
  • Limited to 200 attendees (vaccinated staff do not count in this total).
  • All attendees over the age of 12 have to provide proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test. 
  • If food or beverages will be sold or provided at the event, at least one of the following ventilation strategies must be employed: (1) all available windows and doors accessible to fresh outdoor air are kept open; (2) fully operational HVAC system; and (3) appropriately sized Portable Air Cleaners (as defined in the Ventilation Guidance) in each room. 

Live Theater and Concert Venues
See detailed guidance about seated live events and performances with in-person audiences. 

Performers:

• Fully vaccinated, PCR-negative, aerosol-generating performers (e.g., singers, wind & brass players) can perform indoors or outdoors to live audiences on the same stage as other fully vaccinated, non-aerosol generating performers without additional restrictions.
  • This means that, providing that all performers and those interacting with performers (e.g., crew members), are fully vaccinated, and that they continue to be tested, you can assemble performing groups without additional restrictions, i.e. no masks, no distancing, no separation. 
  • Have protocols in place to document vaccination status is requested by SFDPH (for example during an outbreak investigation). This guidance is also subject to change. 

Audiences (in-person):

• Advance reservation/tickets with assigned seating is required. 
• Only people who live in California and fully vaccinated persons from out of state may attend as patrons.
• Attendees must be managed by a safety monitor(s) inside and outside of the venues. 
• There can be a "vaccinated-only section" with 100% capacity if proof of vaccination is obtained. 

Indoors:

• Live performances indoors up to 50% capacity for seated attendees.
• Vaccinated-only sections are allowed at 100% capacity (the number of patrons in the vaccinated-only section count toward the 50% facility capacity allowance).
• 1-199 patrons – there is no safety plan or proof of vaccination required.
• 200-299 patrons – there is no safety plan or proof of vaccination required unless there are concessions in which case a safety plan must be submitted but pre-approval is not required and proof of vaccination or negative COVID test is required.
• 300+ patrons – safety plan must be submitted and approved before event and proof of vaccination or negative COVID test is required.

Outdoors:

• Live performances outdoors up to 67% capacity for seated attendees.
• Vaccinated-only sections are allowed at 100% capacity.
• 1-299 patrons – there is no safety plan or proof of vaccination required.
• 300-499 patrons – there is no safety plan or proof of vaccination required unless there are concessions in which case proof of vaccination or negative COVID test required. 
• 500-999 patrons – safety plan must be submitted but pre-approval is not required and no proof of vaccination is required. If there are concessions, then the safety plan must be submitted and approved and proof of vaccination or negative COVID test required. 
• 1000-3999 patrons – safety plan submitted adn approved but no proof of vaccination is required. If there are concessions, then the safety plan must be submitted and approved and proof of vaccination or negative COVID test required.
• 4000+ patrons – safety plan must be submitted and approved and proof of vaccination or negative COVID test required. 

Festivals
Outdoor music and art festivals without assigned seating are allowed, for up to 100 attendees. Each household group must be 6-feet apart. See guidance for festivals without assigned seating.

If the festival is outdoors with assigned seating, see guidance about seated live events and performances with in-person audiences. 

If the festival is indoors with assigned seating, see guidance for conferences, meetings and receptions. 

Classes and Youth Summer Day Camp

Adult art classes: Check the Business Capacities and Activities Table as we move through tiers, as this will be aligned and updated. 

Children's classes: Children can participate in classes, however they should follow the Out of School Time program in relation to cohorting. Children should not be attending a drop-in art class. However, an art class with a set cohort of children for at least three weeks is allowed. 

Youth Summer Day Camp: Open for all children. See more information about schools, childcare, and youth programs. 

Dance Studios
See detailed guidance for gyms and fitness centers

Indoors:

• You can hold fitness classes indoors. Each room can have up to 50% normal maximum capacity up to 200 people, as long as people are physically distanced for the activity.
• If at least one ventilation measure is implemented in the room, people may be spaced 6-feet apart. Otherwise 12-feet distance is required between people engaged in aerobic exercise.
• For activities where breathing rate is low (stretching, gentle yoga, meditation), people can be spaced 6-feet apart.
• Locker rooms can open.

Outdoors:

• Operate as much as you can outdoors. Everyone must be able to physically distance for the activity.
• Masks are not required outdoors, if everyone stay 6-feet apart.

Drive-In Theaters
Open, up to 100 cars 6-feet apart. See guidance for drive-in gatherings. 

Movie Theaters
Open up to 50% capacity, up to 500 people for each theater screen. Food and concessions can be sold. See movie theater guidance. 

Offices
Offices can open at up to 50% normal maximum capacity for unvaccinated staff. People who are vaccinated do not count towards capacity limits. Here is the guidance for Offices. 

• Conference rooms and meetings can operate at up to 50% for unvaccinated staff.
• Indoor break rooms are allowed up to 50% capacity (including vaccinated staff). 6-feet of distancing is required if eating or drinking. Outdoor eating with others is allowed. See dining guidance. 
• Everyone in the office must wear a face covering when they might be around others.
• Staff should still work from home if possible.
• All offices should screen their employees for COVID-19 symptoms. 

Financial, Health and Other Resources for Visual and Performing Artists, Cultural Workers, Small Businesses, Arts Institutions & Nonprofits

(Updated 4/9/2021)

Health and Protocol Directives (laws) and Guidance (complementary assistance)

SF Health Orders (Related to Businesses - Chronological Order)

All SF Health Directives

All SF Official Information and Guidance (chronological order)

SF Health Screening Forms for Personnel, Clients & Visitors

SF Department of Public Health General COVID Resources

California Department of Public Health Novel Coronavirus 2019 Page (State Guidance by Industry)

US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Novel Coronavirus 2019 Page

World Health Organization (WHO) Questions and Answers on Coronaviruses
 

Financial Resources for Small Businesses and the Entire Arts & Culture Sector

SF Office of Economic and Workplace Development COVID Page

SF Office of Small Business COVID Page

Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans 

Public Assistance and Grant Resources for Nonprofits and Special Districts

YBCA Nonprofit and Artist Relief Fund

KQED List of Emergency Funds for Freelancers and Artists 

Foundation for Contemporary Arts Emergency Grants 

Arts and Culture Leaders of Color Emergency Fund

Bay Area Arts Worker Relief Fund

The Adolph & Esther Gottlieb Emergency Grant

Community Vision Capital & Consulting

Americans for the Arts COVID Resources 

NEA COVID Resources

 

Performing Arts Resources and Grants

NEW San Francisco Music and Entertainment Venue Recovery Fund

Entertainment Commission COVID Page

Outdoor Entertainment and Amplified Sound (9/25/2020 Announcement)

Just Add Music (JAMS) Permit for Shared Spaces, Outdoor Dining and Other Activities

Map of all the SF Shared Spaces Street Closures (to connect with local merchant associations and collaborate on performances, vending, art walks, etc.)

Theater Bay Area Performing Arts Worker Relief Fund 

The Actors Fund Entertainment Assistance Program

Musicians Foundation Grants

 

Resources for Museums & Galleries (including those that offer in-store retail--i.e. galleries, art boutiques, etc.)

In-Store Retail 

Museums, Zoos, Aquariums Directives and Design Strategies for the Visitor Experience

 

Directives and Guidance for Art & Culture Venues That Offer Youth Programs

State Guidance for Day Camps

Interim Guidance for Child Care Programs

SF Department of Children, Youth and Their Families COVID Page

SF Department of Children, Youth and Their Families Community Hubs Initiative Page