AKEL’s proposals for measures to support working people in the field of Culture affected by the pandemic

 

Statement by the Cultural Bureau of the C.C. of AKEL

16^th March 2020, Nicosia

Culture is one of the first sectors that are already being affected dramatically by the pandemic and emergency measures. Hundreds of working people in this sector must be supported so that they can address the socio-economic consequences of the situation. AKEL proposes the following measures:

1. The Cultural Services of the Ministry of Education should register all the cases that have been affected by the cancellation of cultural activities and provide corresponding compensation.
2. The Cyprus Theatre Organisation (THOC) should demonstrate flexibility with regards the THYMELI program, so that projects in the first semester can be completed by the end of 2020. The second installment of the THYMELI program, approved by THOC, should be given to those theatres that would have had their first performances within a few days so that those part of the performances are paid and at the same time so that theatres can survive where theatre people are employed. Damages from the cancellation of performances should be covered.
3. Payments of theatre people and of all theatre groups should be safeguarded, for the performances canceled or postponed through the provision of state funds.
4. The Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation (RIK) should videotape a number of theatrical performances that will be given immediately after the emergency measures come to an end and they should be transmitted to the public, paying the copyright and other rights to the cultural artists.
5. During this period, RIK should show works of Cypriot artists which have been screened previously and concern the theatre, cinema, documentaries and other forms of art, and pay the related rights.
6. Cultural artist’s wages in musical halls, theatres and other leisure areas should be paid. Owners of cultural venues and event organizers should be facilitated as to their Social Insurance contributions, VAT and other obligations.
7. Due to the nature of the work of artists, technicians and other people working in culture, direct contact between them (for example actors), but also with the public, every activity (shooting, rehearsals, etc.) must be suspended until the situation is normalised. The government should cover working people’s salary losses, but also support production companies financially.
8. The government should proceed to elaborate a program to substantially enhance cultural creation and support of cultural groups and artists.