Posted on 29 May 2020
by Pascale Thumerelle
In this exceptional period of the coronavirus pandemic, culture is coming to the rescue of confined citizens. Paradoxically though, culture seems under reported among priorities being taken into account for the rebuilding of the post-Covid-19 world. The cultural industries, as well as the activities and practices directly associated with the creation, production, distribution, and enjoyment of central cultural content, are rarely invited to the table of influencers elaborating the future economic, social, and ecological pact, thus neglecting the cultural dimension of this hoped-for new way of life.
Artists fear that culture is the last wheel in the lockdown carriage and are multiplying calls to public authorities for financial support and the reopening of cultural venues as soon as possible.
Their cause, heard and supported by local, national, European, and international institutions, is given greater resonance when taken up by representatives of the medical profession. These heroes engaged in the daily struggle against Covid-19 are well aware of the benefits of culture for individual wellbeing and social cohesion.
Professor François Bricaire, an infectious diseases specialist and member of the French Academy of Medicine, was asked to lead a working group and interview about thirty cultural personalities in order to submit a report to the French government on 1 May. In the report, Proposals for a process of reopening performance venues, filming and rehearsals, Prof. Bricaire firmly states, “Performance venues must be part of a deconfinement plan because they are an essential good”. The professor goes on to explain that cultural activities are “a response to the essential need of populations to cultivate, inform and entertain themselves, as well as the need for a culture of peace. They bring certain territories and places to life through the tourism they generate. But, more than anything else, they are necessary for the joy of life of all generations and for social cohesion”.
This conviction that culture is part of the common good and plays a fundamental role in building harmonious societies based on human dignity is also shared by a number of responsible investors, albeit few.
This note aims to highlight reasons why these pioneers have integrated culture within their sustainability strategies and how they are delivering on their commitments.