The music industry makes a vital contribution to the Irish economy each year. According to recent research from the EII (Event Industry Ireland), the events industry employs 35,000 people and generates over €3.5bn for the economy annually with a further €850 million coming from exports as a result of the industry.
Further findings from EII have revealed that a mere 30% of event businesses can work remotely through the pandemic and 57% have had to temporarily lay off staff, with a further 8% having no choice but to let staff go permanently. Following the devastating impact of the pandemic, thousands across the sector are now issuing an urgent plea for support from the Irish Government.
We’re in the midst of Summer and according to research from EPIC (Events Product Industry Covid-19 Working Group), the busiest period for the live events workforce is May to September, with over half the residents of the Republic of Ireland purchasing a ticket to a live music event and over 400,000 overseas visitors attending our live events*. In 2020, this work has been lost in its entirety. It is estimated that this year will see a 90% + drop in revenue* within the Live Events industry, with 92% of Event and Arts workers incomes impacted.
Here are two initiatives that you can get involved with to help support the mobilisation and growth of the industry.
Event Industry Ireland
Event Industry Ireland (EII) is a group of event professionals and business owners from the Irish events industry who have been brought together by a collective concern for the future of events in a post-Covid19 world. EII is run by its members for the benefit of its members through an elected council of representatives.
The activities undertaken by EII for its members include:
- Commitment to a strong events industry
- National support and government recognition
- Industry networking opportunities with your peers
- Insider intelligence via EII research projects
- First-hand insight on how EII works with the Irish Government to champion the event industry
- Members have approved supplier listing on the EII website which means buyers looking to find suppliers will find our members
You can become a member of Event Industry Ireland by registering at eventindustryireland.com. It serves the collective needs and promotes the interests of event organisers and the industry at large. As a member of EII you will have access to a wide range of benefits that support the development of your business.
EPIC (Event Product Industry Covid-19 Working Group)
In response to the Covid-19 crisis in the Irish live events industry, the working group EPIC (Event Production Industry Covid-19) has been formed to represent the interests and concerns of the 3,500 individuals and businesses involved full time and the 15,000 people part-time in producing live events.
The Key Actions proposed by EPIC are as follows:
- Extend the Covid Payment and Wage Subsidy Scheme for Live Events and Arts workers until the mass gathering ban and social distancing restrictions are lifted and the industry can get back to work.
- Develop business grant support of 20% of 2018 turnover for SMEs in the Events sector, to ensure business stabilization and continuation.
- Extend bank loan and lease payment breaks until mass gatherings can be reactivated.
- Direct insurance companies to re-evaluate insurance policies to reflect reduced risk, in public liability insurance, event liability insurance and vehicle insurance.
- Support rent assistance and rent breaks for Live Events & Arts workers, until mass gathering bans and social distancing restrictions are lifted.
- Invest in an Industry Assistance Programme to cater to the mental health and wellbeing of Live Events and Arts workers during this time of crisis.
- Reduce the VAT rate to 9% for the Event sector for 3 years.
- Remove the commercial rates for empty places of entertainment and warehousing of event equipment.
EPIC has teamed up with RTÉ to present ‘Songs from An Empty Room‘. This music TV event will support two live events industry initiatives – Minding Creative Minds and the Association of Irish Stage Technicians (AIST) Hardship Fund. You can make a donation by visiting wearethesupportact.com.
