"Collective management – A safety net for authors and performers" is the title of the SAA and AEPO-ARTIS upcoming event on 17 March. It also well describes the results of the surveys the SAA conducted among its members, demonstrating the collective management organisations’ continued efforts and mobilisation of resources to support audiovisual authors through the pandemic.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on culture has been, and still is, devastating. While many policymakers understand the consequences of the crisis on our health, social life and wellbeing, few are aware of the important role that the cultural sector can play for the recovery of the European economy. 

An essential programme for the recovery and sustainability of the European film and audiovisual sector in COVID-19 times

Of the total employment in EU27, 3,7% (7,3 million) people work in the cultural sectors and one third are self-employed (Eurostat 2019). COVID-19 has worsened their already precarious situation and left many without any regular income and difficulties to prove their eligibility for any possible financial support mainly designed for employees or businesses.

Dear President von der Leyen, Vice-President Schinas, Commissioners Hahn, Gabriel, Breton,

The SAA, together with 20 other organisations from across the cultural and creative sector have sent a letter to Members of the European Parliament asking them to support culture in the Recovery and Resilience Facility.   

Ahead of the European Council meeting on 17 and 18 July, 45 leading European authors and artists are calling the heads of State and government to agree on appropriate funding for the recovery and thriving of the cultural sector. The SAA stands behind this call.

As the EU has started discussing the proposed recovery plan, 94 organisations from across Europe’s cultural and creative sectors are uniting their voices to alert EU leaders : our sector needs strong and systemic support measures to recover from this crisis.

Ahead of the European Council meeting on 19 June, Culture Action Europe has launched a call on Member States to place culture in the EU long-term recovery budget (presented by the European Commission on 27 May). The SAA stands behind the call.

When the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, European collective management organisations (CMOs) were quick to mobilise speedy distribution of royalties and financial support to screenwriters and directors suffering due to the crisis. A much-needed help for many authors who do not fit the categories to benefit from governments’ emergency support.

Europe’s cultural and creative sectors were among the first and hardest hit by the unprecedented COVID-19 crisis. They will also be among the last. 

Living under lockdown, with social distancing, was once unimaginable but is now the new normal for most of us. Cinema, theatres and film production were among the first cultural activities to shut down, and they will be the last in line to be up and running again. However, the cultural sector continues to show resilience to mobilise, adapt and outlive the COVID-19 crisis.