UNESCO ResiliArt Debate on Impact of Covid-19 on Performing Arts in Pakistan

UNESCO Pakistan held a ResiliArt Debate on the Impact of Covid-19 on Performing Arts to reveal the far-reaching impact of COVID-19 on the creative sector in Pakistan, identify possible solutions to support artists, enhance their resilience and present policy recommendations for the culture sector in Pakistan. Moneeza Hashmi moderated the ResiliArt Debate. The panelists were from both government and private sector institutions including Dr. Fouzia Saeed – Director General Pakistan National Council of Arts, Nazakat Shakila – Director General Radio Pakistan Lahore, Saman Rai – Executive Director Lahore Arts Council, Faraan Irfan – Joint Secretary The All Pakistan Music Conference, Shahid Nadeem – Executive Director Ajoka Theatre and Kanwal Khoosat – CEO – Olomopolo Media Company.

Director UNESCO Pakistan, Patricia McPhillips thanked all the panelists for sharing their views and said that COVID-19 has severely affected the creative economy on a global scale. The pandemic has not spared the culture sector, affecting the entire creative value chain and the professional, social and economic status of artists and cultural professionals. However, this extraordinary time has also demonstrated the central role culture plays in building resilience and social cohesion. The online discussion streamed live on Facebook, providing for a global discussion and exchange of ideas.