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Dear Friends,

This Sunday, we will celebrate the 245th birthday of our nation with the 45th Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks. The iconic Independence Day tradition will be back in full splendor, marking yet another milestone in the recovery and reopening of our beloved city.

Earlier this week, the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME) and NYC Parks announced the return of "Movies Under the Stars," bringing free summer film screenings to parks and playgrounds across the city. In addition to classic films like RENT and new favorites Captain America, Coco and Incredibles 2, for the first time ever, this NYC summer tradition will include screenings of films the third annual New York Public School Film Festival (NYPSFF), which showcases 32 films created by NYC public school students from across the five boroughs. You can find the entire "Movie Under the Stars" lineup online.

REOPENING UPDATES

New York’s state of emergency expired June 25. The State’s guidance concerning the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People remains in effect. And the New York State Department of Health issued updated State regulations concerning face coverings on June 23, 2021. Unvaccinated individuals must continue to wear face coverings in most public settings. And everyone, whether vaccinated or not, must wear face coverings on public transit and in certain settings, such as health care, nursing homes, correctional facilities, and homeless shelters.

“Fully vaccinated” means two or more weeks after receiving the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine or full doses of the COVID-19 vaccines that have been authorized for emergency use by the World Health Organization (e.g., AstraZeneca, Oxford).

Arts and Entertainment

The updated New York State Department of Health regulations state that "large-scale indoor event venues with more than five thousand attendees shall require patrons who are not fully vaccinated to wear face coverings consistent with this section; may require all patrons to wear a face covering irrespective of vaccination status; and may deny admittance to any person who fails to comply." Venues must apply this requirement consistent with the ADA and NYS and NYC Human Rights Law, and other laws, meaning that people who are not medically able to tolerate a face covering must be provided a reasonable accommodation. Individuals or entities that violate the regulations are subject to a maximum fine of $1,000 for each violation.

The application for City Artist Corps grants is now live and applications for the Cycle 2 open on July 6 at 10am and close on July 20 at 10am. (Applications for Cycle 3 open on July 27 at 10am and close on August 10 at 10am.) A program of the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the New York Foundation for the Arts with support from MOME, City Artist Corps Grants are intended to support NYC-based working artists who have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. The program will distribute one-time $5,000 grants to over 3000 artists to help sustain their practice and engage the public across New York City’s five boroughs this summer beginning July. Artists working in any discipline are eligible to apply.

Open Culture performances continue to roll out in neighborhoods across the city. The program, which runs through October 31, allows ticketed, socially distanced, outdoor performances at nearly 200 street locations throughout the five boroughs. The NYC Open Culture Program Resources page offers tips for planning and preparation for Open Culture events, links to best practices and protocols for live performance developed by unions and performing arts organizations.

Nightlife

The updated New York State Department of Health regulations state, "Employees of food service establishments who are not fully vaccinated must wear a mask or face-covering at all times while at their place of work. Businesses must provide, at their expense, such face coverings for their employees." Individuals or entities that violate the regulations are subject to a maximum fine of $1,000 for each violation.

The New York State Liquor Authority (SLA) issued guidance allowing licensees that are currently part of NYC’s Open Restaurants Program to continue serving alcohol on outdoor City property while NYS Assembly Bill A7733 / Senate Bill S6353 awaits adoption. This legislation, if signed, would allow SLA licensees participating in the Open Restaurants Program to continue serving alcohol on City property for one additional year after the law is adopted.

The State ended temporary to-go and delivery privileges for bars, restaurants, and manufacturers on June 25. On premises retailers may sell beer, cider, and mead to go or for delivery, and manufacturers may generally make sales only to persons physically at the premises. For information, visit the SLA’s webpage.

Media Production

The NYS DOH Interim Guidance for Media Production During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency is now optional. Productions that choose to continue following the Media Production guidance can find it archived on the State’s NY Forward website.

In accordance with the changes to State guidance, productions are no longer required to complete a business affirmation concerning compliance with the Media Production Guidance or post a COVID-19 Safety Plan on-site. We are updating MOME’s film permit webpage to reflect these changes. If you have questions about these changes, please call the Film Office at (212) 489-6710.

NYC BUSINESS QUICK START

NYC Business Quick Start is a new interagency initiative led by NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) to cut red tape and support NYC businesses with opening or reopening. The program will provide small businesses a sole point of contact to help navigate City regulations, guarantees a 48-hour response to all small business inquiries and will cut processing time by 50 percent. NYC Business Quick Start is a collaboration between several key agencies including SBS, Department of Buildings (DOB), Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), and the New York City Fire Department (FDNY).

STATE ASSISTANCE

Applications for the New York State COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program are now live. The Grant Program provides $800 million in assistance for small businesses (including small for-profit independent arts and cultural organizations), experiencing financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Flexible grants up to $50,000 can be used for operating expenses, including payroll, rent or mortgage payments, taxes, utilities, personal protective equipment, or other business expenses incurred during the pandemic. Over 330,000 small and micro businesses are potentially eligible for this program, including 57 percent of the State’s certified MWBEs. Application materials Help is available by phone at 877-721-0097.

The NYS Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) began accepting applications on June 1. Eligible low and moderate-income households can get up to 12 months of their back rent paid, three months of future rent, and other assistance. There are no immigration status requirements to qualify for the program. NYC’s Human Resources Administration website offers information about the program, as well as a list of organizations that can help New Yorkers with their applications.

Moratorium Updates: The ban on commercial and residential evictions, foreclosure proceedings, credit discrimination and negative credit reporting related to the effects of the pandemic is extended until August 31, 2021. The moratorium that prevents utility companies from disconnecting utilities to residential households and small businesses that are struggling with their bills due to the COVID-19 pandemic is extended for a period of 180 days after the COVID-19 state of emergency is lifted or 180 days after December 31, 2021, whichever is earlier.

FEDERAL ASSISTANCE

The National Endowment for the Arts is providing American Rescue Plan Grants to eligible organizations nationwide. These funds are intended to help support jobs in the arts sector, keep the doors open to arts organizations nationwide, and assist the field in its response to and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Unlike other Arts Endowment funding programs that offer project-based support, Rescue Plan funds are intended to support specific operating costs only. Cost share/matching funds are not required.

The Arts Endowment encourages applications from a variety of eligible organizations including: organizations that serve populations that are underserved, such as those whose opportunities to experience the arts are limited by ethnicity, economics, geography, or disability; organizations with small and medium-sized budgets; organizations from rural to urban communities; and organizations that may be applying for federal support through the Arts Endowment for the first time. For more information and to apply, visit the NEA’s webpage.

Eligible small businesses, nonprofits, sole proprietors and independent contractors can still apply for a COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Learn more about EIDL, the Targeted EIDL Advance and Supplemental Targeted Advance.

SBA began making the first round of Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) award decisions. SBA issues weekly reports showing data about applications and awards on the SBA website. See SBA’s FAQ if you have applied but have not yet been notified of an award. For more information and to view applicant resources, visit the SVOG website. For SVOG application portal technical support such as a password reset, browser suggestions, or how to use the multi-factor authentication with an app and the QR code, applicants can call 1-800-659-2955 or, for the deaf and hard-of-hearing, 1-800-877-8339 and follow the prompts to SVOG assistance.

NYC live-performance venues, businesses, and non-profit organizations applying for SVOG and other federal assistance can access free technical assistance through Curtains Up NYC, a program partnership of MOME and NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS). Trained counselors are also available for virtual, one-on-one sessions. Information is available on the Curtains Up NYC webpage or 888-SBS-4NYC.

COVID-19 UPDATES

The NYS Department of Labor issued guidance on the use of paid sick leave for COVID-19 Vaccine recovery time. This guidance states that Labor Law section 196-b allows employees to use sick leave for the recovery of any side effects of the COVID-19 vaccination and section 197-c allows leave to receive vaccinations.

People ages 12 and older are eligible for the vaccine, and it’s never been easier to get a vaccination. You can find your nearest COVID-19 vaccine site online or call 844-VAX-4NYC.

• There are now many walk-up vaccine sites throughout the City where appointments are longer required. See a list of sites where you can get a walk-up vaccination today.

• The NYC Mobile Vaccine Buses visit neighborhoods across the five boroughs to offer convenient, ADA-accessible COVID-19 vaccinations. The full schedule is available here. In-person interpretation in multiple languages and multilingual vaccine materials are available on site. Appointments are not required, but you can book in advance online or by calling 877-VAX-4NYC.

• Free transportation to vaccination appointments in NYC is available for city residents 65 and older and those with disabilities who have no other way to get to a vaccination site. To arrange for transportation, call 877-VAX-4NYC (877-829-4692).

• NYC residents who cannot leave their home can sign up for an in-home vaccination online or by calling 877-VAX-4NYC (877-829-4692).

New York City is offering incentives—including gift cards, staycations, and free tickets to sports and cultural programs—to encourage more New Yorkers get vaccinated. Adults who receive their first vaccine dose on or after May 25 at New York City-run sites are eligible to choose an incentive and enter a competition to win exclusive prizes. New Yorkers who were vaccinated before May 25 can take advantage of discounts and giveaways from other NYC businesses by showing their CDC vaccination card.

As of June 25, the New York State Travel Advisory is no longer in effect. Travelers arriving in New York are no longer required to submit traveler health forms. All travelers, domestic and international, should continue to follow all CDC travel requirements.

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For the latest updates, sign up for MOME’s newsletter, follow our social media channels on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, or visit our website at www.nyc.gov/mome.

Stay safe and NYC strong,

Anne del Castillo

Commissioner

Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment

www.nyc.gov/mome

@NYCMOMECommish

Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment

nyc.gov/mome

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