Online performances may soon be replacing public cultural shows in the “new normal” as the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) looks to online platforms as venues for cultural artists affected by the lockdown to stop the spread of coronavirus disease.
The NCCA had earlier marked Php 76.8 million as cash assistance to over 14,500 freelance cultural artists and workers who have lost their income as mass gatherings such as cultural performances have been stopped under the community quarantine enforced in the Philippines.
NCCA Executive Director Al Ryan Alejandre noted how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected many cultural workers, especially freelancers.
“We have to help them. Many of them lost their jobs since there are no gigs, events,” the NCCA leader said in the virtual presser held on May 21, 2020.
NCCA Deputy Executive Director Marichu Tellano also announced they are looking at new platforms where the artists and cultural workers could showcase their works as alternatives to gatherings, workshops, and other face-to-face activities that have been disallowed during the public health emergency.
“After cash assistance, we would look at other possible platforms. We would launch consultation and planning regarding the online platform, maybe by June,” Tellano said.
Tellano also said that the NCCA is looking at helping the artists adapt to the new platforms.
“Performances, festivals are not allowed at this time. We may have partnerships where the artists could promote their works online,” she added.
The Work at Home online platform for artists and other freelancers to offer their services was launched on Labor Day.
Dingdong Dantes is also promoting work from home jobs offered through the Yes Pinoy Foundation.
A survey has also indicated that more companies and workers welcome work at home arrangements.
Meantime, Filipino artists continue to be called upon to provide their services online in exchange for donations to COVID-19 relief efforts for frontliners and the poor, including OPM artists at the Bayanihan Musikahan and Huntahan Musikahan and visual artists of the UP alumni and Filipino Portrait Artists Guild.
SEND CHEERS in the comments below to NCCA for considering online performances in lieu of public cultural shows amid the lockdown to stop the spread of COVID 19.
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