Jeonnam Culture and Tourism Foundation Operates COVID-19 Consultation Desk for Cultural Artists

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Yoon Jamin] Jeonnam Culture and Tourism Foundation (CEO Ju Soonseon) announced on the 16th that it will operate online and offline consultation channels for cultural artists (groups) and travel agencies in the province who are struggling to make a living due to the impact of COVID-19.

To this end, the foundation conducted an online and telephone survey from the 28th of last month for 10 days targeting cultural artists (groups) and travel agencies (218 people) in the province to investigate the damage caused by COVID-19.

The survey results showed that in the cultural and artistic fields, events such as performances, exhibitions, and literary lectures were indefinitely postponed or canceled, causing the greatest income reduction damage to artists.

Specifically, in the performing arts sector, 98% of all respondents complained of income reduction due to cancellations and postponements of performances and lessons, and in the fine arts sector, 91% of all respondents reported income reduction due to exhibition cancellations and postponements, class cancellations, and temporary closures.

In the tourism sector, more than 90% of reservations for tourism products from local travel agencies were canceled, and sales significantly decreased compared to the previous year, worsening management conditions.

Accordingly, the foundation plans to proactively respond to the damage to cultural artists by early operation of the ‘Artist Welfare Support Center,’ scheduled to open next month, and by operating consultation channels.

The consultation channels will receive reports on the current status of COVID-19 damage and provide guidance on government and Jeonnam Province support systems such as emergency livelihood stabilization loans for artists. They will also act as an agent for administrative services such as applying for creative support funds and registering proof of artistic activities.

Additionally, through the ‘Artist Dispatch Support Project,’ newly launched this year with national funding, the foundation plans to provide jobs to artists facing economic difficulties due to COVID-19, offering financial support.

The ‘Artist Dispatch Support Project’ is an artist job support program where five artists form a team and collaboratively perform cultural and artistic activities required by companies, organizations, or local governments for six months.

Furthermore, the foundation will expedite the execution of the project budget by next month to support cultural artists and revitalize the local economy. Based on the COVID-19 situation, it plans to hold explanatory sessions on local tourism resources and fam tours requested by local travel agencies during the consultation survey before June.

Ju Soonseon, CEO of Jeonnam Culture and Tourism Foundation, said, “The entire cultural arts and tourism industry in the province is suffering from management deterioration due to COVID-19,” and added, “We will minimize damage to artists (groups) and the tourism industry through active counseling and administrative support.”

For more detailed inquiries, please contact the foundation’s website or the Cultural Projects Team, Cultural Arts Education Team, or Tourism Marketing Team.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.