TASK FORCE: CABINET, OFFER CULTURE SECTOR A CLEAR PERSPECTIVE 

The virus may be unpredictable, but how we respond to it need not be. The Cultural and Creative Sector Taskforce calls on the government to quickly come up with a predictable government strategy aimed at different stages of the pandemic. Indicate at which corona signal values restrictive measures for the cultural sector come into effect or can be lifted. Clearly link these measures to financial support packages.  

 Exactly how Covid-19 will develop this winter and in the coming years is uncertain, but that the virus will have an impact on society for a long time is certain. The cultural and creative sector is preparing for it. Museums, concert halls, theatres, film houses, cinemas, monuments, presentation institutions, (pop) venues, cultural centres - they have pulled out all the stops to stay open safely and responsibly. If anything has become clear in this crisis it is that people miss the inspiration, connection, comfort and joy of art and culture. Going out together, a live experience - these are moments that give life colour and meaning. Not only visiting art and culture, but also practising it or being taught about it, is an indispensable ingredient for mental health for many.

For almost two years, the sector has been going through a yo-yo of (partial) lockdowns. Now it is time for a clear perspective. Left or right, we have to live with this pandemic. There are calls from almost all industries to reopen in a safe manner. We want an approach where the basic policy reflex no longer has to be 'lockdown', but 'remain safely open'; an approach with a perspective of recovery.

Call to the new cabinet
The Cultural and Creative Sector Taskforce asks the new cabinet:

• Come up with predictable and insightful corona measures. Indicate at which risk stages which measures are triggered.
• Make a direct link from corona measures to financial support to all links in the cultural chain: organisations as well as creators/zzp people.
• Make use of corona tickets as well as the experience we have gained in the meantime in safely welcoming audiences to keep cultural organisations open safely and responsibly in all circumstances.

Next week, the Cultural and Creative Sector Taskforce will present a Opening and recovery plan, which includes six proposals to improve our sector resilient through the crisis to come and agile out of the crisis.

Taskforce in talks with state secretary Uslu on Thursday, 13 January

Three days after her installation, on Thursday 13 January, State Secretary Gunay Uslu will meet the Cultural and Creative Sector Taskforce. During this acquaintance, she will visit some rehearsals at TivoliVredenburg and talk to the taskforce about the pressing issues of the moment.