(PNA file photo by Cristina Arayata)
MANILA -- The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) will look for ways on how online platforms could be maximized, as many of the cultural artists and workers were greatly affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, officials said Thursday.
In a virtual presser, NCCA executive director Al Ryan Alejandre said the pandemic has affected many cultural workers, especially freelancers.
"As we know, freelancers do not have an employee-employer relationship, so they are the ones who were hardly affected," he said.
The NCCA, he said, has a budget of PHP76.8 million to give aid to more than 14,500 freelance cultural artists and workers from various sectors such as dance, music, architecture, among others.
"We have to help them. Many of them lost their jobs since there are no gigs, events," he said.
Noting that gatherings, face-to-face activities, and workshops are not allowed during the pandemic, NCCA deputy executive director Marichu Tellano said they would look at new platforms where the artists and cultural workers could showcase their works.
"After (giving out the) cash assistance, we would look at other possible platforms. We would launch consultation and planning regarding the online platform, maybe by June," she said.
Tellano added that the NCCA would look at retooling the artists and cultural workers, and would consult experts regarding this.
"Performances, festivals are not allowed at this time. We may have partnerships where the artists could promote their works online, she said. (PNA)
In a virtual presser, NCCA executive director Al Ryan Alejandre said the pandemic has affected many cultural workers, especially freelancers.
"As we know, freelancers do not have an employee-employer relationship, so they are the ones who were hardly affected," he said.
The NCCA, he said, has a budget of PHP76.8 million to give aid to more than 14,500 freelance cultural artists and workers from various sectors such as dance, music, architecture, among others.
"We have to help them. Many of them lost their jobs since there are no gigs, events," he said.
Noting that gatherings, face-to-face activities, and workshops are not allowed during the pandemic, NCCA deputy executive director Marichu Tellano said they would look at new platforms where the artists and cultural workers could showcase their works.
"After (giving out the) cash assistance, we would look at other possible platforms. We would launch consultation and planning regarding the online platform, maybe by June," she said.
Tellano added that the NCCA would look at retooling the artists and cultural workers, and would consult experts regarding this.
"Performances, festivals are not allowed at this time. We may have partnerships where the artists could promote their works online, she said. (PNA)
