Since the 1990s, urban cultural sectors have become increasingly focused on events as a driving force for media interest, promotion and tourism. Events such as the Olympic Games or the European Capital of Culture, to cite the two biggest examples, have also been the context and reasons for both the creation of funding for the (Cultural and Creative Industries-CCI) and for participation in large-scale infrastructure and real estate development.

So what can cities do when festivals are banned and public audiences have to be seriously reduced in traditional cultural venues?

How can cities support their creative sectors when public health requires their traditional business models to remain as they are?

The situation is evolving rapidly around the world, but it seems that these challenges will be with us in the medium to long term. So how do we move from direct help to sustainable new models?

The Covid-19 pandemic presents a number of challenges for the creative industries, especially those related to live events. However, it also provides many opportunities. Looking back at current business models, forms and flows of funding, we also have the opportunity to rethink the value of culture in a free market economy that is affected by a public health crisis.

  1. How can we creatively, holistically and sustainably adapt the combination of personal and digital forms, as well as solidarity and public funding?
  2. How can we create new structures that increase the resilience of creative sectors and help reverse the trend towards precarious work?
  3. How can we use the rapidly changing situation to develop new ways of sharing creativity at greater distances?

Among all the other urgent questions, it is important to think about how the Covid-19 pandemic will change our society in the long term. Considering these three questions will help cities build a stronger creative economy that can survive beyond the lockdown. 

Source: https://urbact.eu/

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