“We need culture, so we need to help it to sustain this shock. We must assess the impact of the crisis, launch a joint reflection and coordinated initiatives. UNESCO fully intends to play its role in this process, in line with its mandate” said the Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay.
Over 130 Ministers and Vice-Ministers of Culture joined the online meeting convened by UNESCO where they discussed the following. 90% of the countries have closed their UNESCO World Heritage Sites or cultural institutions either fully or partially. Traditional festivals and other important cultural events stand cancelled which has impacted the cultural sector and artists adversely. Culture provides comfort, feelings of well-being and togetherness in these difficult times. Yet cultural and creative sectors have been the last ones to receive support. Ministers also suggested adopting ‘a new normal’ of a global collaborative take on culture.
To read further on the meeting, log on to UNESCO.