Equity, the performing arts and entertainment trade union, is calling on venues to safeguard performing artists who work at night or in vulnerable locations in Northern Ireland.
Principles from the 'Safe Home' campaign include accompanying artists to their ongoing transport and making payment for travel clear within contracts.
Meanwhile, Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray announced £10,000 of support from Belfast City Council for the campaign at Equity’s national meeting this week at the Oh Yeah Music Centre, Belfast.
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The pledge from the council will mean the creation of an online video resource, as well as hard copy Safe Home posters for Belfast venues outlining their commitment to the principles. It will also go towards a website listing those who have signed up across the city, and will include additional advice for venues.
Equity says that performing artists such as cabaret artistes, comedians, stage management and singers can be vulnerable when working at entertainment venues, especially when working alone. Their work can include leaving venues late at night, parking and loading out in insecure locations with expensive cumbersome equipment and a lack of personal security.
The campaign asks venue owners and managers to agree that artists will be accompanied to their ongoing transport by two members of staff, unless they request otherwise, and that artists will be provided with reputable taxi firm numbers to arrange their transport.
Other demands are that payment for artists’ travel should made clear within their contract, and that if the venue has car parking, artists will be provided with a free car parking space on request.
It is the principal duty of hirers and employers, under the HASWA (Health and Safety at Work Act 1974), to secure the health, safety and welfare of employees and other people at their workplace. Safe Home launched in 2023 at EquityFest, the union’s first Northern Ireland performing artist convention, taking place at the Atlantic Hotel in Portrush.
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray, said: “Our council is pleased to provide this support to performers as part of our Music Matters roadmap to develop the city’s vibrant music sector and harness its full potential.
“We want to do all that we can to make a night out in the city as safe as possible, for both patrons and performers. This investment will provide practical training and resources to support local venues and enable them to play their part in keeping artists and production staff safe as they go about their work.”
Alice Adams Lemon, Equity’s Northern Ireland Official, said: “Our members are often forgotten when venues are thinking about the security of the workforce. Individual artists can be left to fend for themselves once the venue doors have closed for the evening. We are delighted with this commitment from Belfast City Council and the support of the Lord Mayor in ensuring venue owners and managers are reminded of how important a role they play in making sure their valued artists are safe.”
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