COVID Safety Plan

Dear Creative Community,

There is so much out of our control with COVID-19, but we have to do all that we can to keep our community safe. Some of the artists you love, BAC team members, and your fellow students are caregivers to immunocompromised individuals, interacting with or parenting children, or in high risk groups. Our policies respond to CDC metrics and recommendations and restrictions by the State of Massachusetts and local governments - and are subject to change at any time.

Thank you for understanding and remember to be kind! #BeKindBerkshires

Artfully, 

Lucie and Team BAC

COVID 19 Policy (last updated 12/15/2022)

  • Berkshire Art Center requires all visitors to abide by our Visitor Agreement below.

  • Masks are optional, but encouraged for students, staff, and faculty.

  • While masks are optional, we ask all of our community members to respect the choice of each individual you encounter in our building and continue to follow social distancing practices.

Some classes may still continue to require masks & proof of vaccination - and this information will be listed in the course description.

  • Any individual who has tested positive for COVID-19 must continue to follow the CDC guidance for isolation and quarantine, which includes wearing a mask in public for 5 more days after leaving isolation or quarantine on day 5, regardless of vaccination status.

  • Artists may use our studios if they do not have COVID-19, a cold, a fever, other COVID-19 symptoms, and are not testing positive for COVID-19.

  • No one should enter our facilities if they are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.

  • Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 within 10 days of being indoors at any of our facilities is required to notify Berkshire Art Center staff immediately by emailing health@berkshireartcenter.org.

    • We will notify anyone you have been in contact with at our facilities.

    • We will respect your privacy while working to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

  • Reasonable exceptions to the vaccine requirement are made for staff and faculty who can produce a current negative COVID test prior to teaching. 

This policy is subject to change based on future CDC metrics and recommendations and restrictions by the State of Massachusetts and local governments.

Visitor Agreement:

  • I agree to self monitor for COVID 19 symptoms and will not visit Berkshire Art Center if experiencing any symptoms.

  • I will immediately sanitize my hands upon entering the building.

  • I will maintain 6-foot distance between myself, other students, and staff as often as possible.

  • I will clean up after myself so well that the area and equipment I used can be easily disinfected when I leave.

  • I will make an appointment before coming to Berkshire Art Center for studio use or an extended visit.

  • I will notify Berkshire Art Center if I test positive for COVID within 10 days of visiting Berkshire Art Center’s studios.

  • Where masks are required, I will wear an appropriate face mask at all times indoors at Berkshire Art Center (please no valved masks or gaiters)

  • If required for my class, I will ensure I’ve submitted a Proof of Vaccination Form prior to the first day of my class or studio use.

Staff Will:

  • Make hand sanitizer and hand soap available throughout common areas.

  • Disinfect all high-touch surfaces at the close of every day.

  • Require students to agree to our COVID safety agreement prior to visiting Berkshire Art Center.

  • Encourage online pre-payment for open studio time, tool kits, and firing fees to reduce payment in person, on site.

  • Reorganize studio spaces to avoid overlap and institute quotas per studio, per day.

Berkshire Art Center staff will do our best to provide a safe, clean working environment. Students and visitors know that they are using the facilities at their own risk. Questions? Email health@berkshireartcenter.org