Two days ago, the government announced sweeping measures to try to halt the spread of COVID-19, including reducing social contact, and discouraging gatherings in places including restaurants and theatres. With these guidelines in place, Z-arts had to make the socially responsible choice to close our doors to the public, as the health of our young people and families is paramount to us.

After discussion, we have decided to keep our doors closed to the public until Tuesday 14 April, and will be reviewing this on a weekly basis.

What does this mean for our shows and events?

This means that Z-arts is unfortunately unable to offer our usual classes and has had to cancel upcoming shows Dust and Arthur’s Dreamboat, all performances of The Tiger Who Came to Tea and the adventures of Mog the Forgetful Cat exhibition between now and 14 April, as well as events including Family Jam, World Storytelling Day and World Theatre Day during this time period. We will also be monitoring the situation for future shows and events on a week by week basis.

What are we still able to offer?

We will be looking to continue to inspire and engage children through other means and are looking at creating more exciting digital content, which we’ll be sharing across our social media platforms, so please keep an eye out for this. Please also keep in touch – sign up to our newsletter, say hello on social media, and don’t forget about us just because we’re dark for a little while.

What does this mean for Z-arts?

We are committed to supporting our staff at this time because it is the right thing to do. We are honouring this month’s contracts with freelancers, our staff are working from home where possible to minimise risk and casual staff are being paid based on their average hours. However, this is all voluntary – the government’s announcement did not amount to the mandatory closure of venues, meaning that we cannot claim any of our costs back on insurance and are instead currently trying to budget in a way that means we are able to re-open when this all passes. The longer the closure continues, the more difficult it becomes to cover our losses.

How can you support us?

If you’ve booked tickets with us, if you can, please consider donating your ticket to us or getting a credit note from us for a future show. Most of all, make sure to champion Z-arts to your friends and family. Remind them that there’s this amazing place in the heart of Hulme that’s just waiting to re-open!