UCSB Arts and Lectures Updates Health & Safety Protocols

Source: UCSB Arts and Lectures

UCSB Arts & Lectures (A&L) announces a change to its COVID-19 policies for patrons for all public events beginning February 4, requiring proof of COVID-19 booster shots for all eligible patrons; and strongly recommending that patrons wear N95, KN95, KF94, or FFP2 masks or, if these masks are not available, double masking at all events. Masks are required for all indoor, in-person events, regardless of vaccination status.

Despite the best attempts at preparation, Arts & Lectures acknowledges that changes to policies and programming are always a possibility and encourages patrons to review the A&L website for the most up-to-date information. A&L remains committed to bringing as much of its originally programmed season to the stage as possible and is actively working to anticipate any challenges. Details about the precautions A&L is taking for the health and safety of its audiences, performers, speakers, and staff will continue to be updated on the Season FAQs page.

“Thank you, Santa Barbara, for sticking with us through these challenges,” says Celesta M. Billeci, Miller McCune Executive Director of Arts & Lectures. “We’ve pivoted many times over the last two years, and we remain committed to being a cultural resource and a source of awe and enlightenment for our community. We had a vibrant return to the stage this past fall, and we’re looking forward to many more opportunities to gather this season. And while we must continue to adapt, we will also continue to Create Hope, you can count on it!”

Updated Vaccination Requirements

In light of new public health recommendations, beginning February 4, 2022, Arts & Lectures will require that all performance attendees ages 5 and up be fully vaccinated to the maximum extent for which they are eligible. (Consult the CDC for eligibility guidelines.) This means meeting one of the following criteria:

• Ages 12 and older:

  • Have received a booster vaccination before the event; OR

  • If not yet eligible for the booster:

    • Have received a second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines within the past five months and at least 14 days before the event; OR

    • Have received a first dose of Johnson & Johnson in the past two months and at least 14 days before the performance.

• Ages 5 through 11:

  • Have received a second dose of the Pfizer vaccine at least 14 days before the performance.

• Unfortunately at this time, we cannot entertain our guests that are under 5 years old that are not yet eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.

At-Home Viewing

To enjoy Arts & Lectures events at home during this time, viewers are invited to stream much of A&L’s upcoming programming online. A list of live stream options is available on the At-home viewing FAQs webpage.

Returns & Exchanges

If you will not be fully vaccinated or will not have a required booster by the date of your planned visit, you are invited to take advantage of at-home viewing options, available for most upcoming events. Alternatively you may return your tickets for a credit on your account, donate your tickets, or request a full refund by emailing info@artsandlectures.ucsb.edu prior to your event. 

Updated Masking Recommendations

Masking is still required indoors at all times, regardless of vaccination status. At this time, Arts & Lectures is strongly recommending that everyone onsite wear N95, KN95, KF94, or FFP2 masks, as they have been shown to be some of the most effective at protecting against COVID-19 transmission. If these masks are not available, double masking is strongly recommended.

Commitment to In-person Events in the 2021–22 Season

Arts & Lectures is deeply committed to presenting as much of its originally programmed season as possible. As such, A&L leadership is working to stay abreast of any new safety requirements and recommendations. Additionally, A&L is working with scheduled artists, speakers and ensembles to anticipate and, to the extent possible, proactively remedy any issues they may face in traveling to the UC Santa Barbara campus and meeting COVID-19 safety requirements.

See A&L’s full 2022 lineup here

This is a moment that calls for Optimism, Resilience, Courage and Vision.

Santa Barbara needs Hope, and Arts & Lectures is uniquely positioned to respond.      

A&L’s 2021-2022 CREATING HOPE programming initiative has already inspired our community with presentations by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, chef Joseì Andreìs and author Anne Lamott. We will continue to inspire, through shared experiences with thought leaders, creative problem solvers and arts visionaries who will guide us forward. CREATING HOPE programs strengthen human connection, promote emotional well-being, joy and compassion, and envision positive change. Learn more about the CREATING HOPE: https://artsandlectures.ucsb.edu/CreatingHope.aspx