Norway’s cultural life stagnating after stop of pandemic support

Cultural organizations labeled the government “naive” after the February 13 end of the pandemic support scheme.

Cultural support ends, government labelled “naive”

Several cultural organizations and businesses have despaired at the abrupt end of the government’s financial support scheme on February 13. According to the newspaper Bergen Tidenes, the Cultural Council has stated that no cultural events will receive financial support after this date as public infection measures will no longer be in place.

With things seemingly back to a pre-pandemic normal, many have warned that this will not immediately mean a return to huge demand for cultural events. Frank Nes, from Bergen Live, spoke of the caution shown by potential audiences. Nes was critical of the government and stated that “If the Ministry of Culture believes that tickets are sold in the normal way immediately after the government has opened up and removed the restrictions, it is at best to believe in Santa Claus.”

Some government support still available, Bergen cultural scene hit hard

The government has insisted, though, that there are still avenues for financial support for the arts and cultural sector which has been especially hit hard by infection measures. Anette Trettebergstuen, the Minister of Culture (AP), told the newspaper that compensation is still obtainable for organizers and subcontractors who have suffered either canceled or scaled-down events.

The normally vibrant cultural scene in Bergen is still struggling despite restrictions being lifted. Several dozen concerts have been canceled over the next 6 weeks and the threat of bankruptcy hangs over many businesses. Ruben Nesse, general manager of Brilliance Live, told the newspaper that ticket sales remained extremely sluggish for events in Norway’s second city.

Source : © NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today / #NorwayTodayNews

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