Pandemic affected creative economy

Artists, creative institution managers discuss the extent of Covid-19 impact

ISLAMABAD: The novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic has severely affected the creative economy on a global scale, affecting the entire creative value chain while impacting the individual artists in multiple ways.

This was discussed during an online debate on the impact of Covid-19 on performing arts. The debate had been organised by ResiliArt - a global movement initiated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) which aims to strengthen the resilience of artists and cultural professionals in the face of the enormous challenges posed by the ongoing global pandemic and support governments in developing policies and financial mechanisms that can help individuals and creative communities overcome the crisis.

Broadcaster and former general manager of Pakistan Television’s Lahore station Moneeza Hashmi, who was moderating the debate, explained that the debate aims to gauge the impact the virus has had on the creative sector in Pakistan, identify possible solutions to support artists, enhance their resilience and present policy recommendations for the cultural sector in Pakistan.

UNESCO Pakistan Director Patricia McPhillips said that Covid-19 has severely affected the creative economy on a global scale.

The pandemic, she said, has not been kind to the culture sector. Entire creative value chains have been affected, McPhillips said, adding that the professional, social and economic status of artists and cultural professionals has been disrupted.

Even in these extraordinary times of high pressure and stress, she said that there have been examples of how culture plays a central role in building resilience and social cohesion.  

Published in The Express Tribune, June 26^th, 2020.