This page was updated on 15 July 2021
Welcome to our dedicated Health & Safety page where you can find the latest information on what the Academy is doing to keep its community safe through the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
We are following Government advice and working in collaboration with representatives from not only from within our community, but also suppliers, external contractors, local businesses, Southwark Council and local bid group, Better Bankside, to put in place a range of measures to protect all our visitors on site.
While social distancing and wearing face coverings may no longer be legal requirements from 19th July 2021, the threat from Covid-19 remains real. As such, in order to continue safeguarding the health and wellbeing of everyone within our community, and in line with government advice, the Academy continues to expect and recommend that all its visitors continue to wear a face mask and socially distance wherever possible.
Some of the other measures we’re keeping in place include:
- Increased frequency of cleaning of sites and equipment
- Controlling the movement of people around our buildings
- Additional provision of handwashing and sanitising stations
- Clear signage, guidance and communication
- Temperature checks and QR codes for all upon arrival
How you can make a difference:
- Self-isolate if you have symptoms of Covid-19
- Socially distance as much as possible
- Wear a face covering, unless medically exempt
- Ensure good hygiene by washing and/or sanitising hands more often
- Ensure good respiratory hygiene by sneezing or coughing into a tissue (throw it away and wash your hands afterwards)
- Adhere to the Academy’s Covid-safe measures
- Be considerate of others – If you notice that someone has overlooked these guidelines, please let them know in a friendly and polite way. Or if someone reminds you of your own slip up, please don’t take offence – we are all just trying to keep each other safe.
Other COVID-19 FAQs
COVID-19 FAQs for the General Public
When is the Academy reopening?
The Academy safely reopened its doors to students in April 2021. We look forward to the start of our Summer school and Young Artist programmes from Monday 19th July 2021; and from September, welcoming both new and current students on our academic programmes and the start of a new term of evening and weekend courses. Book or register interest now to avoid disappointment by emailing info@artacademy.org.uk or calling 0207 407 6969.
What can I do to help the Academy?
As a small independent artist-led institution the Academy does not receive any government funding. The coronavirus pandemic has been hugely significant for us. Not being able to run our public courses has meant the loss of one of our most important income streams. Formed in 2019, our Patron Scheme has never been more essential to ensuring we are able to continue supporting our vibrant artistic community and meet our goal of making art education accessible to all.
Find out more about becoming a patron by emailing patrons@artacademy.org.uk or our Principal at principal@artacademy.org.uk.
What measures are the Academy putting to ensure the safety of its students, tutors, models and staff?
At the Academy, the health and wellbeing of our community are paramount. Our priority at all times is to ensure that our site is as safe as possible for everybody using it.
We are following Government regulations and working with representatives from within our community and beyond to make sure the Academy remains a safe space.
We are initiating a programme of safety measures as our staff, students, tutors and models return to their place of study or work over the coming weeks and months. These measures will be subject to constant review and will no doubt grow and evolve as guidance changes.
Visit our Keeping the Academy Safe page to find out more.
Is the Academy still running Creative Days?
Yes. Creative Days typically take place in artist studios at our main site, Mermaid Court, which is a five-minute walk from Borough or London Bridge stations. Alternatively, we can arrange your event to take place at your workplace or an alternative site.
We are also delighted to soon be running our first online Creative Day, and while we’re keeping things small for the time being we hope to be able to expand this offer in due course.
Please email creativeday@artacademy.org.uk or call 0207 407 6969 to talk to our team about our Creative Days.
I am a contractor. Will I still be able to access the Academy?
Yes,with prior arrangement. Please contact info@artacademy.org.uk or call 0207 407 6969 for more information.
I am a contractor. What is the Academy doing to keep me safe on site?
At the Academy, the health and wellbeing of our community including the network of businesses, suppliers and contractors which we rely upon to operate, are paramount. Our priority at all times is to ensure that our site is as safe as possible for everybody using it.
We are following Government regulations and working with representatives from within our community and beyond to make sure the Academy remains a safe space.
Visit our Keeping the Academy Safe page or contact harriet@artacademy.org.uk to find out more.
I need more information. Who can I contact?