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

Reopening Guidelines 

(Updated 04/16/2021)

Check back for updates. Protocols are subject to change as health guidelines are updated. Anticipated changes for Yellow Tier and 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

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, 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 directive for Indoor Movie Theaters (see Movie Theater Guidance). Auditoriums may open for live events and performance with live audiences, see the guidance for seated live events and performances with in-person audiences. 
• 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. 
• Indoor artist talks, panel discussions, small events with ticketed audience/guest list and assigned seating, see Conference, Meeting and Reception Protocols. 
• Opening receptions and unseated events are not permitted at this time. 

Conferences, Meetings and Receptions (seated gatherings)
Conferences, meetings and receptions (CM&R) without tickets/guest list are not permitted, but CM&R are permitted, subject to safety precautions (see Conference, Meeting and Reception Protocols).

• 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 100 guests, or up to 300 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 150 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. 

• All performances with in-person audiences:
  • 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 35% capacity for seated attendees, in household groups at least 6-feet apart. Suites and boxes up to 25% capacity and 3 households. 
  • Live performances with more than 200 people or over 15% capacity, in-state attendees must show a negative COVID-19 test (at most 72-hours old) or proof of vaccination. Attendees from outside California must show proof of vaccination. 
     
• Outdoors:
  • Live performances outdoors are allowed for up to 50% attendees with assigned seating. Each household group must be 6-feet apart.
  • For outdoor events with more than 4,000 people (no food or drinks served) or 100 people (food and drinks served), in-state attendees must show a negative COVID-19 test or proof of vaccination. Attendees from outside California must show proof of vaccination. 

Festivals

• Outdoors:
  • Music and art festivals without assigned seating are allowed, for up to 50 attendees. Each household group must be 6-feet apart. See Guidance for Festivals Without Assigned Seating. 
  • If there are more than 50 people at the festival, protocols for outdoor live performance must be followed: See detailed guidance about seated live events and performances with in-person audiences. 
  • If the festival is outdoors with assigned seating, see detailed guidance about seated live events and performances with in-person audiences. 
     
• Indoors:
  • If the festival is indoors with assigned seating, see detailed guidance for conferences, meetings and receptions. 

Classes

• 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. 

Dance Studios
See detailed guidance for gyms and fitness centers

• Open outdoors with people 6-feet apart, including outdoor classes. 
• Indoor fitness classes open, maximum 25% capacity up to 100 people. Non-aerobic classes (stretching, gentle yoga, meditation) can have participants 6-feet apart.
• Aerobic classes must have participants 12 feet apart. Aerobic classes can take place with stationary equipment 6 feet apart if at least one ventilation measure is used. 
• Locker rooms can open. Steam rooms and saunas must stay closed.  

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 200 people for each theater screen. Food and concessions can be sold. See movie theater guidance. 

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