ABSTRACT

Governments’ emergency policy instruments reflected great variance in the structures and resources available, as well as differences in the understanding of the cultural ecosystem as a whole, curiously conceived within strict geographical borders. Increasing evidence of the social role of culture as part of the economy, but most importantly to increase the overall wellbeing of participants, can be expected to change the social perception of culture. Further research and greater harmonization of methods will be key for such a shift at national levels. The pandemic has highlighted the diverging needs and benefits of the sector, contrasting the successful video online services to the cancelled festivals and live events. Museums are adopting online payment models for ticket sales as well as for other services while performing arts in turn are exploring the use of immersive technologies generally associated with heritage, such as virtual and augmented reality in dance and theatre.