Meetings with Bachelot: "reason for hope", according to the performing arts - France 24

Paris (AFP)

Representatives of the performing arts began Wednesday to meet Roselyne Bachelot, Minister of Culture, whom they describe as "listening", concerned about "the resumption" of activity, or a "reason for hope" in the context current sanitary.

"Ms. Bachelot understood our point of view, it is a cause for hope: for us, distancing imposes too degraded gauges, we must have gauges at 85%", reported to AFP Malika Seguineau, of Prodiss.

The first employers' organization of private musical entertainment has therefore asked "to change the health rules", for example by abandoning, when possible, distancing (spectators separated by empty seats, etc.), with in return a wearing a mask is compulsory. "We believe in the responsibility of spectators, like when they take the metro, train, plane, like when they return to the office in September."

The Minister was "listening, she wants the resumption (of activity) and told us that she does not stop talking with Matignon, the Elysee, Bercy; she knows the state machine well" , explains Malika Seguineau.

"It gives us balm in the heart, we feel a desire to defend what is possible", adds Pierre-Alexandre Vertadier, concert producer, who has not met the minister but has inquired with AFP. of its representatives.

The Prodiss also called for accompanying measures "for those who will not be able to resume", details Malika Seguineau, such as "the extension of partial activity measures at least until the end of the year and, beyond, until resumption of activity ".

The union also wants "massive direct aid, with an envelope of 300 million euros to reinject cash into companies", recalling that "one in two is threatened". "Our sector has been at a standstill for six months, yet it represents 2.8 billion euros in turnover and 135,000 jobs", insists Malika Seguineau.

The Prodiss finally wants a "clarification of the framework of exemptions". That granted this weekend to Puy-du-Fou (authorized gauge of 9,000 people while gatherings are limited to 5,000 until the end of October) made culture cringe.

Roselyne Bachelot did not plan for the speaking time. At his ministry, rue de Valois, we let AFP know that the minister's "philosophy" is that the performing arts "reopen", with a "path to be found to save the sector". And to recall that Mrs. Bachelot is "not alone in deciding" and that any "strategy" will be developed "in coordination with the Prime Minister".

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