Performing Arts and Culture Fighting to Survive COVID-19 Effect Says UNESCO

The performing arts and culture sector that provides jobs to more than 30 million people worldwide, has been affected harder than expected by the coronavirus pandemic and its consequences, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has reported, recommending targeted policies and actions to help it ride out the crisis.

What has been in effect a six-month closure of concerts and performance, could end up costing the music industry more than $10 billion in lost sponsorships. Additionally, since COVID-19 appeared, many concerts, art events and festivals have been taking place online. However almost one in two people globally cannot access them due to problems such as lack of internet connectivity, according to UNESCO estimates.

The film industry alone, could lose about 10 million jobs this year, according to UNESCO, while a third of the world’s art galleries could cut their staffing by half or more, data collected by the agency shows. Likewise, the global publishing market could shrink by 7.5 per cent.

“The sector, which accounts for 30 million jobs, is struggling to survive and needs our help,” UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay said on Monday.  “Culture has helped us out of the crisis. Now we have to help culture and support the diversity to which culture owes its strength.”

Targeted policies 

In response, UNESCO has developed a resource to help governments and policy makers address the challenges artists and arts and culture sector professionals are facing during the pandemic. Culture in Crisis: A Policy Guide for a Resilient Creative Sector also offers advice on supporting resilience of the creative industries in the future.

The agency is also urging specific action to address the gender aspects of COVID-19 effect on the culture sector, as women – who hold a higher proportion of precarious jobs in the sector – are predominantly vulnerable to social and economic insecurity.

The guide presents three key steps for governments to take: direct support to artists and cultural professionals; indirect support to cultural and creative industries; and strengthening the competitiveness of cultural and creative industries. 

Specific measures outlined in the policy guide include commissioning and purchase of works; providing compensation for loss of income; promoting programs to develop new skills; providing temporary relief from regulations and tax incentives; promoting national content; stimulating demand; and making available preferential loans.

The guide is available in English, Spanish and French; and also includes best practice examples from numerous countries.  Download the Culture in Crisis: A Policy Guide for a Resilient Creative Sector guide.