Platforms for knowledge sharing on Covid-19 impact on the cultural and creative sectors

The platform creativesunite.eu gathers information on initiatives in the cultural and creative sectors in response to the crisis. It helps sort through the multitude of resources, and directing people to the relevant websites of the respective networks, organizations and initiatives.The offer is curated, but organisations can add their initiatives by filling in an online form. The geographical scope covers the EU and some neighbouring countries.

A platform to exchange on solutions and measure to mitigate the impact of the current crisis will be made available to the public, while an internal platform for ministries of member states has been launched at the end of April.

Furthermore, Creative Europe has expanded its translation scheme for European books. To projects and networks funded by Creative Europe, maximum flexibility will be applied during the implementation process hampered by the coronavirus outbreak.

Temporary Framework for State Aid

Rules applying to staid aid have been relaxed. Companies suffering during the crisis can be compensated, as can consumers for cancelled services that are not reimbursed by the operators. This initiative is handled through member states' bodies.

Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative (CRII)

Regulations on the use of the cohesion fund have been relaxed. Member states’ agencies in charge of implementing these funds can reorient them towards sectors affected by the coronavirus crisis, setting their own priorities. While the focus will be primarily on healthcare, small and medium enterprises and labour markets, sectors such as education, training and culture can also be supported.

Performing arts network IETM has made available instructions on how to call on agencies in all EU countries responsible for the fund to use it for the cultural and creative sectors.

Support to mitigate Unemployment Risks in an Emergency (SURE)

This measure supports short-time work schemes to help protect jobs, employees and self-employed people against the risk of dismissal and loss of income. Companies will be able to temporarily reduce the hours of employees or suspend work altogether, with income support provided by the state. Self-employed will receive income replacement as well. These measures are carried out by EU countries.

Creative Europe: Call on the cross-border dimension of the performing arts

The support scheme for the cross-border dimension of the performing arts (theatre, dance, circus and street arts), developed under the cultural Work Programme 2020, will be adapted to the current situation. Two issues will be highlighted in the new call: the impact of mobility on the environment and the role of digital culture and virtual mobility. Measures will be proposed to mitigate the sector’s carbon footprint. The new call will also include a forward-looking reflection on the longer-term effects of mobility.

The call is foreseen to be published by the end of May 2020 with an envelope of 2 million euros. Funds will reach the sector by the end of the year.

Find more measures and more detailed information on the tools presented here on ec.europa.eu/culture