COVID-19 Impact and Inclusive Recovery

Battered by COVID-19 lockdowns, the fashion industry showed signs of revival in mid-2021. While luxury brands and comfort wear thrived, many companies faced bankruptcy and leadership shifts. China's domestic market, boosted by local shopping and luxury spending, recovered faster. Overall, the industry is expected to reach pre-pandemic sales levels by 2022, driven by the US and China, but the recovery will be uneven with some companies faring better than others.

The cultural sector has been severely and persistently affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with museums particularly hard hit: the 2020 UNESCO report estimated that nearly 90%, or an estimated 85,000 institutions, had been closed for varying lengths of time. The role of museums in society is essential, as they are responsible not only for preserving heritage for future generations but also as central actors for promoting lifelong learning and equal access to culture and the dissemination of values on which humanity is based.

Museums have been particularly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with nearly 90% of them, or more than 85,000 institutions worldwide, having closed their doors during the crisis. The impact of these closures is not only economic, but also social. Museums play a vital role in our societies. They not only preserve our common heritage, but also provide spaces that promote education, inspira-tion and dialogue. Based on values of respect and cultural diversity, museums strengthen social cohesion, foster creativity and are conveyors of collective memory.

Culture in Times of COVID-19: Resilience, Recovery and Revival offers key insights on trends and structural transformations that can boost the culture sector as a cornerstone of an economy built on sustainability and well-being.A set of strategic development considerations are put forward for governments and their partners, in both the public and private sectors, to promote the value of culture as a public good, encourage cross-sector collaboration and holistically address the essential needs of the sector, while supporting cultural professionals in adapting to a changing world and providin

The pandemic has had dramatic effects in the cultural and creative industries (CCI) in MERCOSUR countries and Latin America. This sector, traditionally linked to the freelance workforce with limited social and economic protection, is experiencing the accelerated digitization of face-to-face activities and business models. Up-to-date and systematized data is therefore vital to assess and respond to the disruptive impact of the pandemic through evidence-based public policies.

Through this guide, UNESCO provides practical guidance to policymakers as they fight for the inclusion of the cultural and creative industries in social and economic recovery plans. In order to comply with health and safety measures, and to adapt to new business models, both financial and technical support has been and will continue to be necessary. However, it is important to recognize the support mobilized thus far has been multifaceted.

The European Grouping of Societies of Authors and Composers (GESAC) commissioned EY teams to produce a report on the state of the cultural and creative industries (CCIs) in Europe. What was their economic situation before the COVID-19 crisis? What impact has the crisis had on activity and employment? And what are the main priorities for the sector to protect itself from the most serious consequences, to recover growth and enhance its value in the European economy? This study follows a report of the same type, entitled Creating Growth, published in December 2014.

Cultural and creative sectors (CCS) have been hit hard by the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study analyses the so far effects of the crisis on the CCS, as well as the policy responses that are formulated to support the sectors. Based on the analysis, policy recommendations are formulated to further improve the resilience of the CCS in Europe in the medium and longer term. 

Cultural and creative sectors are important in their own right in terms of their economic footprint and employment. They also spur innovation across the economy, as well as contribute to numerous other channels for positive social impact (well-being and health, education, inclusion, urban regeneration, etc.). They are among the hardest hit by the pandemic, with large cities often containing the greatest share of jobs at risk. The dynamics vary across sub-sectors, with venue-based activities and the related supply chains most affected.

The COVID-19 pandemic has underlined the importance of the media and culture sector in uplifting people during difficult times. As hundreds of millions of people were confined to their homes during the pandemic, many turned to music, films, television and other art forms for entertainment, education and cultural enrichment, leading to a surge in streaming and online services.