National mourning: arts sector ‘under no obligation to close’

Organisations in the arts and culture sector are not under any obligation to close or reschedule events during the period of national mourning for the late Queen Elizabeth II, guidance from government has said.

Advice published by the Cabinet Office in relation to the official mourning period, which will end following the funeral service next Monday (19 September), says there is no expectation that events or sporting fixtures be cancelled or postponed, or that entertainment venues should be closed.

"This is at the discretion of individual organisations," the guidance states. "As a mark of respect, organisations might wish to consider cancelling or postponing events or closing venues on the day of the State Funeral. They are under no obligation to do so and this is entirely at the discretion of individual organisations."

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The guidance adds that if events are planned for the day of the State Funeral, organisations may want to adjust the event timings so they do not clash with the timings of the funeral service and associated processions.

It goes on to say that: "As with other organisations, these institutions may wish to display or share images of previous Royal visits, particularly if they are one of Her Majesty’s patronages," it adds.

Guidance previously issued by ACE in 2016 suggests that organisation review their planned activities to “make sure they still feel appropriate”, such as parties, celebratory occasions, comedy programmes and scheduled tweets.

'Few formal rules'

It stresses that there are very few formal rules to follow and that it is up to the organisations to consider and formulate an appropriate response.

Former Culture Minister Ed Vaizey tweeted that all museums will remain open apart from the day of the funeral saying: "Given Her late Majesty's involvement with so many of them and her support for the arts more widely, one way to pay our respects is a visit to a museum or arts organisation."

On the day of the Queen's death (Thursday 8 September) the Royal Opera House closed for the evening and confirmed it will also close on the day of the state funeral.

The BBC called off Thursday night's Prom concert – the first of two due to feature the Philadelphia Orchestra – half an hour before the event, before announcing that both Friday and Saturday’s Proms were also cancelled. Saturday would have been the Last Night, the traditional conclusion of the eight-week classical music festival. 

Meanwhile Arts Council England has moved to dispel concerns that their grant funding decisions may be delayed as a result of the death of the Queen.

The Guardian reported on Friday (September 9) that callers to the Arts Council customer department were told that a delay could affect decisions on support such as the Developing your Creative Practice initiative.

A spokesperson said: "We can confirm that our day-to-day work will continue, including making funding decisions and communicating these directly with applicants. 

"However, during the mourning period, we will not be making any announcements or sharing any communications outside of our business-as-usual activity."