Give living art a future

Pearle * called on EU member states to provide targeted support to the living arts sector through a recovery package.

Plans for the recovery of the living arts should be built on three main pillars: survival, investment and resilience. As the sector has been hit hard by government measures to combat the pandemic, the first priority is to do everything possible to survive and get through this phase. At the same time, it is also an opportunity and the right moment to invest in digital and green infrastructure and develop a sustainable future.

VThe public statement summarises the areas that need attention, lists EU instruments,

which need to be taken into account in Member States' recovery plans.

"There is a wide range of options that governments can use to help the sector recover

in the coming years, so there is no excuse for ignoring the needs of living art,

" said Anita Debaere, Director of Pearle*.

As the Commission has extended the Temporary Framework for State aid measures to support the economy affected by the current COVID-19, Member States can propose targeted support for the living arts sector. In addition, the moment is opportune to introduce other policy initiatives, such as reducing VAT rates on tickets and cultural services and abolishing or lowering the threshold for cross-border taxation of artists under Article 17 of the OECD Model Tax Conventions.

The document highlights that further support for the living arts sector is needed for at least the next three years, as it is expected that the recovery of society and the economy from the crisis will take some time.

https://www.pearle.eu/positionpaper/give-live-performance-a-future