Everyting is on hold

Code red for the cultural and events industry. The coronavirus continues to grip the world after seven months.

Fortunately, many sectors have been able to restart their businesses, although sometimes with ups and downs. Restaurants are welcoming guests again, hairdressers can cut and colour again, gyms are open so people can work on their fitness, and schools have reopened for children. But uncertainty remains, whether the virus stays under control and whether a new wave could once again lead to another lockdown.

In the cultural and events sector, however, things remain quiet. The phone is not ringing, the inbox stays empty. Our year effectively ended on 15 March. Shocked and devastated, we followed the news in the days after. We had to disappoint our clients by cancelling or postponing everything, something we did with a heavy heart. Our suppliers, with whom we have worked for years, also had to be informed that everything was cancelled. And then everything came to a standstill.

It still feels strange not to be busy with events in September, October and November, which are normally extremely busy months. Not only for us, but also for caterers, technicians, artists, rental companies, florists, directors, security staff, crew, set builders, tent builders, exhibition halls, event venues, theatres and everyone involved in our industry.

We are of course creative in how we deal with this situation, but it is code red for the entire events industry and we cannot hold on much longer.

When will we be able to dance, sing, hug, party, kiss, shake hands, go to the theatre, celebrate weddings, meet colleagues at corporate events, visit trade fairs, enjoy concerts, sit in stadiums again supporting our favourite football clubs? I do not know, but I hope soon.

And of course everyone understands the necessity of the measures and the 1.5 meter society. But the events and cultural sector is being hit extremely hard. 51,000 people are eager to get back to work, to do the things that make life just a little more enjoyable, that bring at least a smile.

We will be there for you again soon, will you be there for us?

Love,
Pauline Verhagen