UNESCO ResiliArt Organised Debate on Impact of Covid-19 on Performing Arts in Pakistan

LAHORE– ResiliArt is a global movement initiated by UNESCO that aims to strengthen the resilience of artists and cultural professionals in the face of the enormous challenges posed by the current health crisis.

It aims to support the governments in the development of policies and financial mechanisms that can help individuals and creative communities overcome the crisis.

UNESCO Pakistan held a ResiliArt Debate on the Impact of Covid-19 on Performing Arts to reveal the far-reaching impact of COVID-19 on the creative sector in Pakistan, identify solutions to support artists, enhance their resilience and present policy recommendations for the culture sector in Pakistan.

Moneeza Hashmi moderated the ResiliArt Debate. The panelists were from both government and private sector institutions including Dr. Fouzia Saeed – Director General Pakistan National Council of Arts, NazakatShakila – Director General Radio Pakistan Lahore, Saman Rai – Executive Director Lahore Arts Council, Faraan Irfan – Joint Secretary The All Pakistan Music Conference, Shahid Nadeem – Execuitve Director Ajoka Theatre andKanwalKhoosat – CEO – Olomopolo Media Company.

Director UNESCO Pakistan, Patricia McPhillips thanked all the panelists for sharing their views and said that COVID-19 has plunged the global economy into a recession. The pandemic did not spare the culture sector, affecting the entire creative value chain and the professional, social and economic status of artists and cultural professionals.

However, this extraordinary time has also demonstrated the central role culture plays in building resilience and social cohesion. The online discussion streamed live on Facebook for the audience.— PRESS RELEASE