A group of nightlife industry experts have put together what they are calling the Global Nighttime Recovery Plan (GNRP) to help the nightlife industry recover from Covid. The plan outlines the importance of recognizing nightlife as a financial and cultural pillar to many communities, as well as implementing a collaborative plan to return a sense of normalcy to the industry.
The latest update, chapter 4, primarily focuses on how both creative and behind the scenes nightlife workers have been affected by the pandemic. Surveys were conducted to record the financial impact felt by industry workers, and mental health issues were documented as well.
Using case studies from South Africa, Netherlands, USA, and other countries, the GNRP team offers possible solutions to get the nightlife industry back on its feet.
Recommendations for governments include implementing universal basic income and better unemployment assistance. Estimates by venue associations suggest that without government support, the majority of venues in some regions will become casualties of Covid.
Recommendations for industry players include promoting worker power and expanding opportunities in direct artist to buyer relationships. An example would be an artist makes a song or a DJ mix that is only available to their monthly paying subscribers – essentially the Only Fans model but for the music industry. Many artists have taken to recording virtual sets to keep engaged with fans through the pandemic.
“We cannot resume nightlife without significant systemic change, as we can no longer ignore the inequality; to do so would be to have no regard for the people who create and support nightlife.”
Read all chapters here.