This past week, we received updates for our COVID-19 reports from Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Ireland, Romania and Serbia. While governments are slowly alleviating pandemic restrictions, new measures are still being launched in order to recover the arts and culture sector.
In Austria, the Federal Ministry for Arts, Culture, the Civil Service and Sport increased subsidies by EUR 3,1 million for the Austrian film sector, the publishing sector, the Austrian Music Fund, and art acquisitions. Moreover, the Parliament is currently negotiating a law to implement a new fund for non-profit organisations, endowed with EUR 700 million.
On May 12th, the Croatian Ministry of Culture opened a call for artistic professional associations to fund one-time assistance to their members. Subsequently, the call for proposals entitled “Arts and Culture Online” was issued with an aim to increase online cultural and artistic participation of persons under 25 and over 54.
In the Czech Republic, the city of Prague supports the fields of culture and tourism with approximately EUR 9,2 million. Another EUR 3,7 million is invested in a benefit programme with a campaign to attract local tourists. Starting from May 11th, the reopening of museums and galleries in Czech Republic is possible, under the condition that they follow the recommendations by the Ministry of Health.
The Arts Council of Ireland conducted two separate surveys on the impacts of COVID-19 on artists and arts ogranisations. The results confirm heavy repercussions and financial losses in the arts and culture sector. On May 15th, the Reopening Guidelines for Arts Centres were published as a support for arts centre managers and staff to implement best practice processes for a safe return to work.
On May 14th, the Romanian Government adopted a decision that allows cultural activities to take place in museums, libraries and exhibition halls. However, the activities should respect the measures for prevention and protection in line with an order emitted on May 15th by the Ministry of Culture.
Following the last update, the Serbian Government has issued various generic measures such as tax deferrals, financial aid for salaries and loans aid, prevalently for medium and small businesses, including the cultural sector. On May 7th, following a media campaign and appeals regarding artists being treated unfairly in the state aid plans, the Government adopted the decision to provide direct aid for independent artists.
Please find all the available country reports here or via our menu.
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