UNESCO ResiliArt Debate: Artists and Creativity beyond Crisis, 15 April, 19:00-21:00 (Bangkok time)

The health crisis brought on by the novel coronavirus has plunged the global economy into a recession, costing the global economy US$1 trillion during 2020, according to UNCTAD. While billions of people around the world turn to culture as a source of comfort and connection, the impact of COVID-19 has not spared the culture sector. More than 80% of UNESCO World Heritage properties have closed down, threatening the livelihoods of the local communities and cultural professionals. Cultural institutions and facilities including museums, theatres and cinemas are losing millions in revenue each day, and many have had to let go of their staff. Artists across the world, most of whom were already working part-time, on an informal basis or under precarious contracts prior to the pandemic, are struggling to make ends meet. Today, we are experiencing a cultural emergency.

The global movement ResiliArt sheds light on the current state of creative industries amid crisis through an exclusive global discussion with key industry professionals while capturing experiences and voices of resilience from artists – both established and emerging – on social media. Together, it raises awareness about the far-reaching ramification of COVID-19 across the sector and aims at supporting artists during and following the crisis.

The inaugural debate will take place on 15 April 2020, World Art Day, in partnership with CISAC. It will be opened by Audrey AZOULAY, UNESCO Director-General, who will launch the ResiliArt discussions with Ernesto OTTONE R. (UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture), Jean Michel JARRE (Composer, performer, CISAC President and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador), Yasmina KHADRA (Author), Deeyah KHAN (Musician, documentary film director and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador), Angélique KIDJO (Singer-songwriter, CISAC Vice-President and UNICEF International Ambassador), Nina OBULJEN-KORŽINEK (Minister of Culture of Croatia and violinist) and Luis PUENZO (Film director, screenwriter, producer and President of INCAA).

Cultural industry professionals are encouraged to join the movement by:

• Participate in the global debate on 15 April 2020;
• Replicate the ResiliArt series in their respective regions and thematic focus;
• Join our social media ResiliArt campaign.

You can join the ResiliArt social media campaign by:

• Taking a photo or video of you continuing to be creative despite the health crisis;
• Writing or recording a message of ResiliArt to help empower the artist community;
• Tagging the post with #ShareCulture, @unesco and @unescobangkok;
• Nominating a fellow artist who is ResiliArt;
• Posting on your social media accounts on or after 15 April 2020.

Debate link: unesco.org/resiliart-debate

For more information, please consult the attached information or contact culture.bgk@unesco.org