Equity NI launches Safe Home campaign

Equity's Northern Ireland National Committee has announced a new Safe Home initiative.

The announcement took place at EquityFest yesterday (June 26), the union's first Northern Ireland performing artist convention, which hosted several talks including Equity4Women Toolkit, Tax and Benefits as well as launching its Safe Home campaign. 
 
The campaign calls for venues to safeguard performing artists and technicians who work at night or in vulnerable locations in Northern Ireland.
 
The campaign asks venue owners and managers to agree to the following principles:
•    Artists will be accompanied to their ongoing transport by two staff members unless they request otherwise.
•    Artists will be provided with reputable taxi firm numbers to arrange their transport.
•    Payment for artists' travel is made clear within their contract.
•    If the venue has car parking, artists will be provided with a free car parking space on request.
 
Venues signing up for these principles will receive an Equity poster showing their commitment.
 
The campaign is aimed at performers and technicians whose work can include leaving venues late at night, parking and loading out in insecure locations with expensive and/or cumbersome equipment and a lack of personal security.