UNESCO and CISAC launch virtual debate series

The first online debate will coincide with World Art Day on Wednesday and feature key industry professionals and artists such as Beninese singer and CISAC vice-president Angelique Kidjo, documentary film director Deeyah Khan and CISAC president and musician Jean-Michel Jarre. Others include film director and screenwriter Luis Puenzo, Croatian Minister of Culture and violinist Nina Obuljen-Koržinek and author Yasmina Khadra.

The participants will address a wide range of topics such as how they are staying connected with the public using available technologies, and the current state of their respective artistic discipline. They will also share recommendations to help decision-makers and private enterprises develop suitable policies and financial mechanisms to assist artists to recover from this difficult period and enhance the resilience of creative expressions.

“Understandably the focus of this crisis has been on health and survival. But COVID-19 is also a catastrophe for culture," Jarre said. "It threatens the long-term loss of income to creators, damage to economies and jobs, and devastation to communities built on culture and the arts. That is why CISAC is partnering with UNESCO on ResiliArt, to bring out the voice of creators so they can help shape effective policies by governments.

"We should see culture as part of the exit strategy from the current crisis, and creators have an important role to play in shaping that strategy. It is time for the cultural and creative sectors to unite, to come together and to organise discussions and find solutions in all countries."

Following the completion of the first debate, UNESCO will empower partners and stakeholders to organise their own ResiliArt debates and join the movement.

Interested stakeholders can access more information on how to organise a ResiliArt debate here.

The first live debate will start at 2pm Paris time. Watch it live here.