Dubai Culture and Dubai Future Foundation look at how the arts and creative fields can flourish amidst the pandemic
The UAE’s culture and creative sectors must be flexible and innovative in order to continue to grow in a post-pandemic world, says a new report.
Titled Future Trends: Culture and the Creative Sector, the report – released by Dubai Future Foundation in partnership with Dubai Culture and Arts Authority – looks at the restrictions caused by the outbreak of the pandemic and the impact it has had on the sector.
“In light of these exceptional circumstances, it is imperative that all those in charge of the sector in Dubai and the UAE intensify efforts and take measures to develop mechanisms and solutions to support the creative community and enable it to ensure its continuity and prosperity in the future, especially for small companies and independent entrepreneurs working in this sector,” said Hala Badri, director general of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority.
Badri added that Dubai Culture is conducting studies to see how the challenges facing the creative community can be relieved.
“These studies also aim to create innovative solutions that contribute to financing and supporting the continuity of innovators, emerging companies, and cultural and creative entrepreneurs, while also attracting new talents. Our co-operation with the Dubai Future Foundation in issuing this report is part of this effort,” she says.
According to Badri, it’s important to develop policies and legislation that would protect the rights of artists and creators, while ensuring the highest standards of intellectual property.
“Our efforts in that regard are progressing, and we are working to build a comprehensive and sustainable system to develop creativity in Dubai,” she says.
Khalfan Belhoul, chief executive of Dubai Future Foundation, agrees that technological tools – such as moving art gallery sales online or museums hosting virtual tours – offer new opportunities to gain a more global audience.
“This also allows individuals interested in exploring cultural experiences in a digital realm and those unable to travel due to Covid-19 restrictions the option of trying out such experiences easily,” he says, adding that the pandemic has underlined the urgent need to accelerate tech-focused apps for all sectors.
The report also touches on the importance of financial support from the government. In May, the UAE’s Ministry of Culture and Youth launched the National Creative Relief Programme, providing Dh4.6 million of grants within the country’s creative sector. Similar initiatives were also rolled out in the UK, Australia, South Africa and Sweden.
Back in April, Dubai Culture also partnered with Art Jameel launched an initiative that gave micro-grants to 75 artists.
The report recommends that governments continue to pledge financial support, such as rent relief, utility bill support, license-fee waivers, support grants, customs and VAT fee waivers. The goal is to ensure the continuity of creative talent and supporting the creative community.
Source: WAM/The National
