UNESCO launches ResiliArt movement in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic

Still, creative workers find creative solutions. This is why UNESCO calls on all artists and creatives to join the ResiliArt movement.

COVID-19 and the cultural and creative industries

While billions of people around the world turn to culture as a source of comfort and connection during the COVID-19 crisis, the impact of COVID-19 has not spared the culture sector. More than 80% of UNESCO World Heritage properties have closed down, threatening the livelihoods of local communities. Museums, theatres and cinemas are losing millions in revenue each day, and many have had to let go of their staff. Artists across the world, most of whom were already working part-time, on an informal basis prior to the pandemic, are struggling to make ends meet. Today, we are experiencing a cultural emergency.

Culture makes us resilient and gives us hope.

In times of crisis, we need art more than ever. People in self-isolation singing together from balconies showed us that culture and creativity can unite us. Our favorite films, paintings and sculptures give us comfort, strength, escape and courage.  Music, songs and dance allow individuals to express themselves and maintain social ties amidst travel restrictions and home confinement. This unprecedented emergency demonstrates culture’s role in building resilience and social cohesion; art is resilient.

UNESCO calls on all artists and creatives to join the ResiliArt movement.

On 15 April, UNESCO is launching a global movement – ResiliArt to shed light on the current state of creative industries, engaging with key industry professionals globally for their views and capturing experiences of resilience from artists – both established and emerging – on social media. Together, it raises awareness about the far-reaching ramification of COVID-19 across the sector and aims at supporting artists during and following the crisis.

Cultural industry professionals are encouraged to join the movement and replicate the ResiliArt series in their respective regions using the publicly available guidelines. The devastation brought to the entire culture value chain will have a long-lasting impact on the creative economy; ResiliArt aims to ensure the continuity of conversations, data sharing, and advocacy efforts long after the pandemic subsides.

Let’s flood the screens with messages of creative resilience and bring maximum visibility to the challenges artists and creative professionals are facing – and overcoming – in this time of crisis!

For further information, please contact us at hanoi@unesco.org