Cinemas, galleries, theatres and other arts venues can stay open under the new coronavirus guidelines, the Department of Culture has confirmed.
They will be allowed continue operating on the existing limits of 50 people indoors, once social distancing is maintained.
Outdoor arts events will also be able to take place under the existing limit of 200 people.
In a series of tweets, the Department said arts venues are considered to be "controlled environments".
Statement from the Department:
Businesses/services such as cinemas, galleries, theatres etc are deemed to be controlled environments, with appropriate protective measures in place such as physical distancing between people. #Covid19
1/4— Tourism-Culture-Arts-Gaeltacht-Sport-Media (@DeptCulturelRL) August 19, 2020
They said: "These venues can continue to operate under existing limits where appropriate physical distancing can continue to be maintained.
"Individual groupings attending these venues must be limited to six people from no more than three households.
"Similarly outdoor arts events which take place in venues which allow for a controlled environment where social distancing can be ensured can also proceed on the basis of existing limits."
However, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly created some confusion earlier by suggesting only six people can attend indoor concerts and events.
Speaking at a press conference earlier, he said: "I can tell you is that the guidance for the next 25 days is no more than six meeting indoors... if it's to your house it's your family plus six visitors.
"If it's any of us out of our house or indoors, it's six - so in a café or a gallery or whatever you want. Outdoors, it's no more than 15 people."
The new restrictions - which include people being encouraged to avoid public transport and work from home wherever possible - are in place until September 13th.
Fianna Fáil Senator Malcolm Byrne last night said there was "unnecessary worry" caused to the arts sector due to an initial lack of clarity on how the restrictions applied to venues.
Unnecessary worry caused to arts and music sector this evening because of lack of clarity on restrictions. Still no formal Dept statement but assured that arts events can go ahead. Annoyed also at how sports organisations being treated. Communication needs to be better.
— Malcolm Byrne 🇮🇪 🇪🇺 🇺🇦 (@malcolmbyrne) August 18, 2020
In their advice to Government, NPHET said the likes of museums and galleries could remain open with "strict distancing" and no "ancillary events involving gatherings of more than six people indoors or 15 people outdoors".
