UNESCO funds initiatives to boost creative industries and urges decision-makers to include culture in their recovery plan
Paris: The Intergovernmental Committee of UNESCO’s 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions is meeting this week. This meeting occurs as COVID-19 has caused a crisis in culture that is both profound and unprecedented. The pandemic has revealed fundamental challenges, particularly the precariousness of artists, and the risk of standardization of cultural products if cultural diversity is not promoted. In 2021, as the world celebrates the International Year of Creative Economy for Sustainable Development and recovery plans are being negotiated around the world, UNESCO called on States not to ignore culture.
Indeed, the Committee approved funding for initiatives that will boost the cultural and creative industries in developing countries around the world, during its annual meeting, held online from 1 to 6 February. (see selected projects below)
During the Committee session, a high-level ResiliArt debate took place, celebrating the International Year of Creative Economy for Sustainable Development, Building Back Better through the Creative Economy. Participants discussed how artists and creators are adapting in response to the pandemic, and stressed that they need greater support from governments, and regional and international organizations.
The debate brought together Jean-Michel Jarre (musician and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador), Adberrahmane Sissako
(film director) Thomas Steffens, (CEO of Primephonic), Vanja Kaludjercic (Director, International Film Festival Rotterdam), Victoria Contreras (founder and General Director of the Association Conecta Cultura de México) and Alvaro Osmar Narvaez (Secretary of Culture, City of Medelln, Colombia, UNESCO Creative City of Music).