Live events industry working group EPIC issues 'Call To Action'

EPIC, a working group that represents the 3,500 individuals and businesses involved full-time, and the 15,000 people involved part-time in producing live events in Ireland, has announced a 'Call To Action', set to take place on September 16, to protest at what they describe as the lack of Government support for the sector.

Although full details of the event are yet to be revealed, EPIC member and managing director of Indiependence Shane Dunne has announced that the group intend to "put on a show" and "be heard."

"The commercial live events sector faces decimation and a decade of darkness," Dunne wrote on Twitter. "Government support has been minimal."

The commercial live events sector faces decimation and a decade of darkness. Government support has been minimal. On Sept 16 we do what we do, professionally, safely and well organised, we’ll put on a show and we will be heard. Details from @Epic2020_Group in the coming weeks. pic.twitter.com/gGMAlTA0NE

— Shane Dunne (@ItsShaneDunne) August 13, 2020

EPIC have also shared the announcement on their social media platforms – noting that "it's time to take action."

"While we fully support the investment in the funded arts sector, commercial live events have been left behind because there is no precedent in place for us," they continue. "Our thousands of independent, hard earned businesses and workers must be protected."

It’s time to take action. While we fully support the investment in the funded arts sector, commercial live events have been left behind because there is no precedent in place for us. Our thousands of independent, hard earned businesses & workers must to be protected #16September pic.twitter.com/RR62UnqmKG

— EPIC WORKING GROUP (@Epic2020_Group) August 13, 2020

In an interview with Hot Press in June, Shane Dunne discussed how the live events sector has been devastated by social distancing restrictions.

"For me personally, it’s been difficult," he revealed. "I'm looking at my first August Bank Holiday weekend off in 15 years. I work on lots of other events with MCD, and other Irish acts, and this was going to be the busiest summer of my career in the industry. That was wiped away in a very short period of time."

EPIC are calling on the Government to invest in the live events industry, to ensure that the sectoral knowledge and skills can be retained during this uncertain time.

"Commercial live events businesses & workers need nuanced supports that are different to the funded arts," Aileen Galvin, the managing director of marketing, communications and creative agency Sync & Swim, remarked on Twitter. "They've never needed investment before. @artscouncil_ie hasn't had to consider funding for commercial arts & events businesses. This is a Covid results & needs new thinking."

Keep an eye on hotpress.com for further details about EPIC's 'Call To Action' as they arrive.