Title: A.I.R. NYC: Ensuring COVID-Safer Events for All
As the weather turns colder and events move indoors, it becomes crucial to prioritize the safety of all attendees, especially those with chronic illnesses and disabilities. One group leading the way in creating accessible and COVID-safe events is Artists in Resistance (A.I.R.) NYC, a Brooklyn-based collective dedicated to providing air purifiers for free to ensure the safety of all participants.
A.I.R. offers a unique service where event organizers can rent high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters for their gatherings. These filters have been proven to reduce the airborne transmission of COVID-19, making them an essential tool in creating a safer environment for everyone. The collective operates on a donation-based system, where renters can choose to donate their $20 deposit to help cover costs and support the collective’s mission.
Sarina Dass and Michelle Borreggine, volunteers with A.I.R., emphasize the importance of health and disability justice in creating a more inclusive arts and culture scene. They share their personal experiences of seeking out COVID-safe spaces after contracting the virus and feeling isolated in a society that had moved on from strict safety measures.
Inspired by the Clean Air Club’s guide on developing air purifier libraries, A.I.R. has served over 100 events this year alone, ranging from concerts to private parties. The collective’s volunteers, with diverse abilities, work towards building a new way of living that challenges colonial ideologies of healthcare in America.
In addition to providing air purifiers, A.I.R. is actively seeking volunteers and outreach support to raise awareness of the importance of COVID safety in a post-quarantine society. By advocating for safer events and encouraging event organizers to consider implementing air purifiers and other precautions, individuals can help create a more accessible and inclusive arts and culture scene in NYC.
As the pandemic continues to impact communities, A.I.R. remains committed to protecting each other and advocating for a safer and more equitable future. Through their dedication to health justice and harm reduction, the collective is paving the way for a more inclusive and COVID-safe event landscape in New York City.
