The Performing Arts Educators Of Ireland Require The Government's Immediate Attention #CurtainUpOnPAEI
The PAEI is calling on the Government to make a statement on or before August 5th to relax restrictions on children's Performing Arts classes for September.
The PAEI (Performing Arts Educators of Ireland) is the national representative body for our sector.
We are calling on the government to immediately address the resumption of indoor classes (dance, drama, and music) for the performing arts sector. This includes all studios, stage schools, and academies.
We urgently request a meeting with the appropriate Government Ministers and officials; along with an official statement regarding our reopening to ensure our sector is ready to open in September.
During the last 17 months, we have made all necessary alterations to our businesses, at our own cost to protect each child that attends our buildings and venues.
We are commercial businesses, employing staff, paying insurance, rates and tax etc.
The major difference between us and the countless other businesses and Irish industries, is that we have not received ANY clarifications, financial supports and timelines on re-opening dates for our sector.
Our main business is that of the well-being, artistic development, and enrichment of every child that comes through our doors.
We have waited patiently while investing our own money to adapt to the constant changes in regulations and guidelines.
Not all children want to play sports. Our sector seeks to aid in the direct social, physical, artistic, emotional, and intellectual education, and development of children.
Our voices must be heard.
The government’s research shown in recent reports, produced by the Arts Council, demonstrates the large number of children and teenagers who benefit from the work done by our sector:
“Before Covid-19, just under half of nine-year-old children and one-third of thirteen-year-olds took part in a structured cultural class or club (such as dance, drama and music) outside school time.” (Maureen Kennelly, Foreword to Young People, Children & Education: Covid-19 Reopening Guidelines, updated 06/07/21, p.3)
Moreover, the government has committed itself, through Creative Ireland, to enable the ‘creative potential’ of every child. If these words are to be something more than empty rhetoric, the government must act now.
It is very noticeable how eager government Ministers are to publicly congratulate Irish actors, musicians and other performing artists who are nominated for international awards.
Yet our same Government is slow to realise that the very environment which nurtures our performing artists of the past, and the future is under severe threat and is in a fight for our very survival.
There is currently no scientific research to justify further delaying our reopening, which can be seen clearly by the guidelines and regulations drawn up for Primary and Secondary schools.
Our performing arts schools are privately funded, and we can and will agree to adhere to strict protocols and safety procedures.
Classes are time-limited, and we have contact details for the parents/guardians of every child present.
Our classes are not over-crowded. Our classes are specialised. Our classes are safe. Our children are our priority.
Drinking and eating indoors is not a priority / essential service and we believe it should never have been made a priority over the welfare of children and the activities that can assist their daily mental health needs.
We need adequate time to organise staff, schedules, liaise with our venues and put in place safety procedures and protocols.
This will ensure that we continue to deliver an exceptional and safe environment for our students – hence our urgent need for a meeting with Government officials next week.
We await the opportunity to meet with the appropriate government parties immediately to rectify this shocking oversight, and right the wrongs that have been done to every child who does not wish to take part in sports alone.
Children’s mental health is now a huge concern and one that we are, as an organization and educators, very aware of and wish to resolve urgently.
We feel further alienation of children in the performing arts sector and ignoring their passion for dance, drama and singing is nigh on neglect at this stage.
We expect to hear from you no later than the 5th of August to remedy this terrible wrong done to the many thousands of Irish children affected by government inaction with regard to our sector.
