In-person events play a vital role in COVID recovery for creative industries
A scene from The Nutcracker by The Royal Ballet @ The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London. (Opening 08-12-15) ©Tristram Kenton 12/15 (3 Raveley Street, LONDON NW5 2HX TEL 0207 267 5550 Mob 07973 617 355)email: [email protected]
by Theatre Expert Jim Dixon at SeatPlan
“It’s that time of year where the most respected designers, models and influential fashionistas congregate in the four fashion capitals of the world to present and witness the very best Autumn/Winter clothing collections.
“The events kicked off in London last week with Milan Fashion Week starting yesterday, closely followed by Paris.
“Whilst the pandemic has forced creative industries to rethink the future of its in-person shows -with virtual events on popular streaming and social media platforms such as YouTube – the success of London Fashion Week has proven that they are back in full force.
“According to reports, digital fashion shows generated just one-third as much engagement.
“And our study found that whilst 71 percent of theatre fans did stream a West End show during the first lockdown, only 28 percent paid for it.
“Despite digital shows making the arts more accessible to a wider audience of fans at times where human interaction was limited, London Fashion Week’s in-person events have proved the value of exclusivity and an atmosphere that digital fails to offer. Being part of the magic, surrounded by other like-minded individuals, allows you to immerse yourself by taking in the sights, smells, tastes, textures and emotions associated with the arts – something you can’t just switch on and off with a flick of a switch.
“This sense of magic was confirmed by Caroline Rush, Head of The British Fashion Council, who stated that there was a ‘real feeling’ of excitement as international audiences returned to London Fashion Week. The fashion guru also commented that in-person events are a key part of COVID recovery as they show ‘confidence in the industry’.
“But why is it so important creative industries continue to champion large in-person events such as the global fashion weeks?
“Well, creative industries greatly benefit from in-person shows and, without them, some of our best local venues have struggled to stay open. A recent report by The Theatres Trust revealed that 10 new venues have been added to its ‘Theatres at Risk’ register.
“Theatres play a vital role in local communities, and there is still a long way to go to save them from permanent loss. However, the public is returning to watch theatre shows in person, as 84 percent plan to visit a venue in the next 12 months – according to a recent survey.
“Theatres are also a great place for all types of events due to their ideal seating plan and design. One London-based designer, Ozwald Boateng, exhibited his show during London Fashion Week at the Savoy Theatre, with many big names, including Idris Elba and Naomi Campbell, in attendance.
“Whilst in-person shows still reign supreme as the place to be -we are seeing more of a hybrid blend of digital and in-person events in the creative industries. The first-ever Metaverse Fashion Week is scheduled to take place from March 24th to the 27th following the real-life catwalk shows, plus there are still lots of fashion shows streaming live digitally this year. Meanwhile, The Immersive Storytelling Studio at the National Theatre works with artists using emerging technologies to develop new dramatic digital experiences that enhance the theatrical experience.
“Although, as much as it’s important to champion in-person events, there’s no reason why we can’t embrace digital experiences- digital cannot survive without in-person events and vice versa. It’s a new hybrid way of enjoying the arts, connecting us in an advanced way that enhances and extends the reach of the live theatre experience.”
