How is the pandemic affecting Art Sector.

 

As COVID 19 outbreak has changed the way of people are living and working, a substantial impact on art and cultural sector can also be witnessed. On 11 March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. Amongst the main emergency measures taken by local governments was the temporary suspension of all social, cultural, leisure and recreation activities, followed by the closing of non-essential businesses, including cultural and Art institutions and industries.

The cancellation of art events, fairs and exhibition significantly intensified the growth of digital access. According the many surveys due to the absence of physical events the growth of online sales accelerated in 2020 for many galleries and auction houses. Around Half of the art galleries around the world used online viewing rooms with a varying success rate. Some felt it was difficult to bring buyers because of the volume of competition while for others digital platforms turned out to be great success.

Since the announcement of the global pandemic, and the shutdown of most cultural institutions and industries, art consumption has experienced visible, and potentially measurable, shifts. As online platforms became a way of working for many the unemployment rate increased to 4 % globally also resulting in pay cuts and salary cuts. 

While direct and physical access to art and culture has temporarily been suspended, indirect and online access has grown significantly due to a growing demand for cultural content in a situation of anxiety and isolation.