Reaction to the closure of the cultural sector

STUK is appalled by the decisions of the consultative committee of 22 December 2022. Closing an entire sector again, without any scientific base, is unheard of. Of course, it is not easy for the government to make the right choices in these complex times, and everybody has to do their share in coping with COVID and supporting the healthcare sector. But the cultural and event sector has proven time and time again that they can organise events in a safe and responsible way, with protocols and supportive measures.

The decision to close our sector, while other, much more dangerous circumstances of public life remain untouched, gives the impression we are a dangerous and irresponsible bunch. The complete implausibility of this measure undermines the support base for all measures, even those that àre necessary and urgent. The political weight of the cultural sector seems hardly to exist at all, while art and culture gives tons of people the oxygen they need to keep breathing.

STUK is concerned about the many, many artists and cultural workers who are unemployed from one day to the next again. Hundreds of thousands of people lose not only their jobs, but the feeling they matter. Lots of them are hit in their engagement to make the difference in these challenging times, for each other, the audience and society. That is a massive price to pay for a measure that will have little or no impact on the infection rates.

We wish everyone a lot of courage, and better times ahead. Take care for yourself and each other. And to all artists: you do matter, more than ever!

the STUK team