National survey asks creatives in the UAE what they need to get through Covid-19 crisis

The survey is by the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development and the Arts and Cultural and Creative Industries Council

Noura Al Kaabi, previously the Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, has now become Minister of Culture and Youth. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A national survey was launched in a bid to further understand the operational and economic challenges facing the creative sector as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

The survey, which has been developed by the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, the Arts Council and the Cultural and Creative Industries Council, is open for submissions until Tuesday, April 28.

Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, encouraged all creatives and artists – both individuals and institutions – to participate in the survey and share their thoughts, which will allow the council to design a strategy and provide solutions where needed. "We have launched this survey as a result of the council's meeting last week, where a strategy was laid out to first get a better understanding of the challenges facing the talent in the creative sector at this time.

"The next step will be to develop appropriate initiatives and incentives to ensure that the creative community is aptly supported to thrive.”

The national survey asks participants to specify what field of work they are in, where they are based and what their average annual income is. A drop-down list then goes on to ask how severely Covid-19 has affected businesses.

Options range from "no impact" to "catastrophic", which implies that the crisis will lead to business closure and layoffs within the next three to six months.

The poll then asks what three steps participants will take, or have taken, to manage the crisis and alleviate its impact on their businesses. It is also looking to find out whether people are benefiting from the economic relief measures announced by the government.

Finally, participants have to list the three most significant actions they would like the government to initiate in order to support their businesses during the crisis.

“Our role is to work together to overcome this period of uncertainty through unity and solidarity,” Al Kaabi said.

“Every creator plays an influential part in our artistic movement, and we want everyone to remain involved, enrich the sector with their work and build a sustainable future together. It is integral for us that the voices of all artists and creatives are heard.

“We will only get through this if we work together and with the co-operation of all cultural and creative institutions in the country.”

The survey can be accessed through the following link: https://www.questionpro.com/t/AKiKoZg8QJ