The Arts and Cultural Industries Councils held a joint emergency meeting remotely to discuss the challenges facing the creative sector, as a result of the precautionary measures taken to limit the spread of the new Corona virus (Covid 19), where the meeting reviewed a number of innovative solutions to overcome the difficulties that guide creators , Which will be implemented during the coming months in several stages, through coordination with all members of the Council.

The meeting was attended by members of the two councils, including Her Highness Sheikha Mariam bint Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the Salama Bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, founder and patron of the unlimited platform of A.M. and Sheikha Hoor bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President Sharjah Art Foundation, Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Nuaimi, Head of Ajman Tourism Development Department, and Minister of Education, Hussain Bin Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi.

Challenges

Noura bint Muhammad Al-Kaabi presented a detailed explanation of the challenges that the Ministry has monitored in the creative sector during the past weeks, based on direct communication with more than 45 agencies working in eight cultural and creative sectors and remote sessions, which included more than 250 participants from artists and creators, to understand The nature of the challenges facing them, allowing the design of a government support program in line with their urgent needs, starting with the groups most in need of support, in order to continue in the local creative movement.

Economic package

Her Highness Sheikha Mariam bint Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan stressed the importance of the councils of arts and cultural and creative industries in joining efforts and unifying plans and policies to launch an economic package aimed at the creative sector, which contributes to the sustainability of creativity in the state and its ability to continue to fulfill its lofty mission.

She added that "the creators and artists are the pulse of society, and the voice that expresses his hopes, aspirations and future," noting that "wise leadership works to create the appropriate environment, which ensures the continuation of their giving and creativity, which enriches the cultural scene in the UAE."

High responsibility

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan said: “The wise leadership in the UAE has dealt with the crisis (Coved 19) with a high responsibility at all levels, and has gained the trust of the world thanks to its wise engagement, unlimited giving and humanitarian initiatives with countries and societies .. The UAE launched incentives and measures to mitigate From the severity of the economic pressures that have imposed themselves on businesses and companies, especially in the creative and cultural sectors, with the aim of helping them to survive and overcome these difficult times that are going on for all mankind ».

Joint work

Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Humaid Al Nuaimi said: “The Ajman Tourism Development Department is keen to provide all means to consolidate the culture of innovation, support creators, artists, and the creative sector in general, to meet the current conditions .. We continue to make efforts to support the creative sector and creators, and assess the situation on a daily basis to take appropriate decisions That accompanies the rapid changes, in addition to our eagerness to enhance joint work efforts. ”

Come together

Sheikha Hoor bint Sultan Al Qasimi said: “I would like to thank the Minister of Culture, Noura Al Kaabi, for her leadership of this initiative. The difficult circumstances that we are going through have imposed many challenges and difficulties on the creative sector and owners of small and medium enterprises, as a result of the stopping of events and exhibitions locally and globally, and we should all We are thinking of innovative solutions to support this vital sector. ”

She added, "The solidarity of all federal, local and governmental governmental institutions and cultural institutions ... is an essential pillar in overcoming this crisis, by providing incentives and initiatives that guarantee the leadership and development of the cultural and creative industries sector."

unifying efforts

Hala Badri, Director General of the Culture and Arts Authority in Dubai, “Dubai Culture” stressed the importance of the meeting of cultural councils in promoting cultural and creative work at the UAE level, and supporting creators and intellectuals to continue their path under the current circumstances.

She said: "The responsibility for providing everything that would ensure the continuity of cultural and creative production in the UAE rests with all of us, and we urgently need to unite efforts and joint planning between all federal and local cultural institutions to help the creative and cultural sectors in the country."

Readiness

The Director General of the Dubai Development Authority and CEO of the TECOM Group, Malik Sultan Al Malik, emphasized that “the vision of rational leadership has made the UAE one of the most prepared countries to deal with the urgent global changes that have reflected on all aspects of life, including the creative industries that are part of Vital from the march of social and economic development ».

A perfect model

Acting Undersecretary of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi Saud Al Hosani said: “This unprecedented global crisis has demonstrated the UAE's preparedness in the face of challenges. Today, it stands as an exemplary model that is set worldwide to limit the spread of the Covid-19 virus and deal with it professionally. High, and despite the closure of many cultural institutions during this period, the cultural and creative sectors in the country have shown flexibility to adapt to sudden changes.

Strength and flexibility

The founder of "Al Serkal Avenue", Abdel Moneim bin Issa Al Sarkal said: "Society represents the basic pillar of life, which is the principle that (Al Sarkal Avenue) believes in, and the philosophy underlying the vision of Dubai and the Emirates in general .. We must unite our efforts and stand together in the face The great difficulties during the current time .. I have felt the strength and resilience of our creative society, both individually and collectively, in facing this unprecedented challenge.

Mariam bint Mohammed bin Zayed:

"Creators and artists are the pulse of society, and the voice that expresses its hopes, aspirations and future."