The Swiss cultural sector stands together

In a press release, the Swiss Music Council, Sonart - Music Creators Switzerland and many other associations announced that the cultural and performing arts sector was "delighted with the constructive exchange with the federal authorities" on March 12.

The common goal is to preserve the diverse Swiss cultural landscape as well as its locations, organizers and jobs. To achieve this, all stakeholders must and want to pull together. Quick-acting measures are needed to prevent or at least mitigate the damage caused by the coronavirus crisis, which could have a lasting impact on the industry in particular, but also on the economic development of the country as a whole.

The demands are as follows:

"1. temporary unemployment insurance in the cultural sector for self-employed persons and all those for whom short-time work would not apply now (e.g. sole proprietors, freelancers, management, owners and partners)
2. uncomplicated access to short-time work for all SMEs in the cultural sector
3. compensation for canceled events, including artist compensation
4. emergency fund for cultural professionals and businesses facing existential threats
5. public funding for culture must continue to flow, cultural sponsors (including private ones) should coordinate their efforts
6. continued direct involvement of organizations of creative artists and event organizers in the design and implementation of concrete measures"