A report issued in cooperation with the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority
"Dubai for the future" explores the trends of the cultural sector in the UAE and the world
The development of the cultural sector depends on its ability to employ modern technologies in innovative ways during the coming period.
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A report issued by the Dubai Future Foundation, in cooperation with the Culture and Arts Authority in Dubai (Dubai Culture), entitled: “The future of the cultural and creative sector”, affirmed that the development of this sector depends on its ability to employ modern technologies in innovative ways during the coming period to keep pace with the direction of intellectuals and artists. Creators, art galleries and cultural institutions, by adopting the concept of "digital transformation", and by producing audiovisual content available on the Internet, so that the public can easily access it.
The report reviewed the most important initiatives launched by the world's governments during the past months to support the culture and arts sector, enhance its ability to adapt to the "new reality", and face the challenges of the emerging Corona virus (Covid-19), which imposed many restrictions on organizing social activities and events. Different cultural.
A tributary to the national economy
The Director General of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, Hala Badri, said: “The repercussions of the (Covid-19) crisis imposed many challenges on the business sector and the economic sectors in general, and the cultural and creative sector was not isolated from the negative effects of this crisis.
The cultural and creative sector is considered one of the vital economic sectors in many countries, and constitutes an important tributary of the national economy, and under these exceptional circumstances, it is imperative for us, and all those in charge of the sector, to intensify efforts to develop mechanisms and solutions, to support and empower the local creative community, and to ensure its continuity. And his future prosperity, especially small companies and independent entrepreneurs. ”
Badri added: “Dubai Culture is working, in cooperation with its partners from among the actors at the level of the cultural and creative sector for the post-Covid-19 phase, as it conducts continuous studies on the nature of the challenges facing this sector, with the aim of developing its infrastructure and exploring ways of cooperation to move forward. Towards broader horizons of growth, and crystallizing innovative solutions, which contribute to strengthening it to be stronger than before.
High elasticity
She indicated that the cultural and creative sector in the UAE has demonstrated high flexibility in adapting to new circumstances, by harnessing digital space and technology, to maintain the continuity of the cultural scene in light of this crisis, and said: “With the widespread spread of cultural and creative content on digital platforms, it is imperative. By setting policies and legislations that protect the rights of artists and creators, and ensuring the highest standards of intellectual property, which constitutes a fundamental axis of our updated strategy aimed at strengthening Dubai's position as a global center for culture, an incubator for creativity and a forum for talent, our efforts in this context are continuing to build a comprehensive and sustainable system. To develop the potential and creative energies ».
Radical transformations
Khalfan Jumaa Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, said: “Technological tools and innovations provide new opportunities for the cultural and creative sector, to enter new markets, and reach a wider audience around the world, by developing artistic and cultural experiences in a modern and innovative manner, allowing those interested the opportunity to easily try them. Away from the restrictions of movement and travel that the world is currently witnessing, these developments also contribute to the formation of new economic sectors and job opportunities in the fields of technology and creativity.
He stressed that the UAE has developed a global model experience in employing modern technology in vital sectors, and in keeping pace with the rapid changes taking place in the world.
Responding to challenges
The report touched upon the impact of the social distancing policies imposed last March, and the subsequent closures of museums and exhibitions, the cancellation of cultural events and the stopping of travel between countries, indicating a positive aspect, represented in the ability of the cultural sector to adapt quickly, and adopt innovative methods to avoid these repercussions. One example is that many museums and galleries have transformed their cultural content to be more effective online, providing people with an innovative experience in the form of virtual tours.
In the emirate of Dubai, "Dubai Culture" launched virtual guided tours for students across all its museums, to maintain public interaction with Dubai's rich heritage and ancient history. This initiative supported e-learning curricula during the quarantine period, and attracted more than 11,300 students, from 94 A public and private school, from all over the Emirates.
The authority organized several workshops and dialogue sessions with the actors in the creative sector, and based on its outputs, a series of initiatives were launched to support the cultural and creative sector.
These trends contribute to strengthening the UAE's leading position in the creative economy sector, and investing in the development of cultural and creative initiatives and projects, such as: the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Dubai Design District, the Sharjah Biennial, the annual Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, the Art Jameel Center for Arts, the Alserkal Avenue, and the Week Dubai Design, and Art Dubai.
The global scene
The report indicated that the world's governments are trying to mitigate the economic impacts on the cultural and artistic sector, through the application of short-term measures, and the provision of incentives and direct financial aid.
Most of the emergency financial support was directed to supplement and protect public cultural institutions, such as museums, libraries and theaters, but this sector relies heavily on small and medium-sized companies and individuals, and many of these companies and those workers are currently facing large losses in wages, which will continue to some point. After "Covid-19", many of them have limited access to support and financing opportunities.
Recommendations
The “Future of the Cultural and Creative Sector” report recommended strengthening government financial support initiatives, attracting talent and encouraging them to survive, increasing cooperation between the government and private sectors, and enhancing the protection of content and economic interests, to ensure the highest standards of intellectual property. It called on decision-makers to develop plans to build and nurture talent, and provide Local and international platforms, to enhance its success.
The report stated that the main current challenges lie in the importance and necessity of accelerating support for initiatives that mitigate the negative effects of the pandemic in the short term and help create new opportunities in the medium term for private, public and non-profit actors active in cultural and artistic production.
Supportive global initiatives
The report reviewed global initiatives that were recently launched to support the cultural and creative sector. The UAE Ministry of Culture and Youth launched the National Creative Relief Program, which aims to provide financial grants for independent individuals and emerging companies, amounting to 4.6 million dirhams, and established the Arts Council in England. £ 160 million emergency aid fund.
The Australian government has also launched a support package of 250 million Australian dollars, and the Mexican government has allocated 1.3 million dollars to support artists and workers in cultural professions, and the Ministry of Sports, Arts and Culture in South Africa has established a subsidy fund of $ 8.3 million to support artists, athletes and technicians, and Sweden has allocated 45 million euros to support Independent artists, organizations, in the culture sector.
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