COVID-19 POLICY UPDATE:

Antenna COVID-19 Mutual Care Protocols
Effective Date: May 1st, 2026
Review Cycle: Quarterly

Antenna exists to support the creative ecosystem of New Orleans through shared creative practice. Our COVID-19 protocols are rooted in collective responsibility, disability justice, and public health care*. These guidelines are designed to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission while ensuring our spaces remain welcoming, accessible, and responsive to the needs of artists, staff, and visitors.

We understand that COVID-19 continues to disproportionately affect disabled people, elders, immunocompromised individuals, and communities already facing systemic inequities. Antenna’s approach centers care for the most vulnerable so that everyone can participate as safely as possible in our shared cultural life.

Our protocols are informed by public health guidance as well as peer organizations, and are reviewed regularly so we can adapt as conditions change.

*Antenna recognizes that the Trump administration is increasingly replacing previously agreed upon public health best practices with COVID-19 denialism. When referring to “public health care” Antenna includes the advice of COVID responsive (?) medical professionals, scientists, governments and agencies.

Guiding Principles 

  • Community safety is a shared responsibility. We care for one another by taking   reasonable steps to reduce risk and support those who may be more vulnerable. 
  • No one should be excluded or penalized for protecting their health: Antenna provides resources and flexibility so people can make responsible choices without financial or social pressure. 
  • COVID safety is an accessibility issue: Our policies aim to ensure that everyone, including disabled and immunocompromised community members can participate safely. 
  • Providing public health information and responsive protocols that evolve as conditions change: Antenna understands that the conditions of COVID-19 are ever changing and require consistent monitoring in order to ensure we are complying with the most updated best practices 
  • Updates will be communicated clearly and regularly.

Before Attending Antenna Events

To help protect the community:

  • Stay home if you feel sick or have symptoms of COVID-19 or other respiratory illness.
  • Consider testing before attending events, especially if you have recently traveled or attended large gatherings.
  • Limit exposure to large crowds in the days leading up to an Antenna event when possible.
  • Vaccination and booster updates are strongly encouraged for staff, Antennas board, artists, and visitors.
  • Masking while traveling or in crowded indoor environments prior to events is encouraged.

We encourage community members to care for their health through rest, hydration, and mindful travel practices.

While at Antenna

Antenna will provide:

  • High-quality masks (KN95/N95)
  • Rapid COVID tests when available
  • Hand sanitizer throughout the space

These resources are free and available to all participants.

Masking

Masking is required during all indoor events. 

Air Quality
To support safer indoor environments, Antenna will:

  • Increase ventilation when feasible
  • Avoid overcrowding – 3718 first floor 10-12 people; 3718 second floor 15-20; 6330 first floor 12-18.   
  • Offer spaced seating options
  • Encourage outdoor gathering areas

If Someone Tests Positive

If a participant tests positive or becomes symptomatic:

  • They should leave the space and rest at home or in their accommodation.
  • Notify Antenna staff so we can confidentially assess potential exposure and inform community members if necessary.
  • Antenna will work with individuals to provide support, flexibility, and resources.

Staff & Artist Support

Antenna recognizes that health protections must be supported by economic protections.

  • Staff and artists are encouraged to stay home when sick.
  • Flexible scheduling or remote participation may be offered when possible.
  • No one should feel pressured to attend events while ill or exposed.

Accessibility & Hybrid Participation

To ensure broader access:

  • Select programs will offer livestream or recorded options.
  • Accessibility requests (such as masking, spacing, or hybrid participation) will be honored whenever possible.
  • Event announcements will clearly communicate health protocols in advance.

After Attending

To support community care:

  • Consider testing 3–5 days after attending an event, especially if you develop symptoms.
  • If you test positive within a week of attending an Antenna program, please notify us so we can inform others who may have been exposed.

Antenna believes that art spaces should model care, responsibility, and solidarity. By participating in our programs, we agree to support one another’s wellbeing so that cultural spaces remain accessible to everyone—including those most vulnerable to illness.

Together, through collective care and mutual aid, we ensure that art, culture, and community remain safe, vibrant, and open in New Orleans.