Space for Learning

Delivering in outdoor spaces

Current government recommendations for participatory arts activities stipulate working outdoors if possible to minimise the risk of transmission of Covid-19. (See guidance for schools and out of school settings.)

You can also see guidance from the Events Industry Forum Keeping workers and audiences safe during COVID-19 (England) about running outdoor performances and events.

Ask yourself:

  • Have you thought about what outdoor spaces you have available on or around your site, small or large? 
  • What opportunities do you have to take learning activity outdoors?
  • Does the outdoor space belong to your organisation or do you need to seek permission to utilise it?
  • If you are using outdoor furniture that belongs to your organisation, who in your team will responsible for cleaning between users?
  • If using temporary outdoor structures (e.g. gazebos), have you sought permission to erect them and have you risk assessed them?
  • What additional safeguarding and Health & Safety considerations does the outdoor space present?
  • Have you added outdoor spaces to your Risk Assessments and policies?
  • Have you considered how you will communicate with staff who are outside your building?
  • Have you got adequate first aid coverage for outdoor spaces?

Isometric Studio, an exhibition design company based in America, have created a toolkit for museum reopening that has a useful section on creating outdoor exhibitions.