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At a press conference on Monday, Prime Minister Stefan Löfven (S), along with several other ministers, announced that the maximum limit for public gatherings will be lowered to eight people. The proposal is expected to go into effect on Tuesday, November 24.
– Do your duty, take your responsibility to stop the spread of the infection, said Stefan Löfven at the press conference.
The government’s starting point is that the change should not apply for more than four weeks, but at the same time they point out that it can be extended during Christmas and New Years if the situation does not improve.
Also, it should The so-called troubadour exception is eliminated, that is, restaurants and similar activities have been able to have artists for a seated audience to whom food or drink is served.
Finance and Housing Minister Per Bolund (MP) stated that the stricter restrictions will particularly affect the culture and sports industry.
– The government has just presented its support for these industries, but it will probably not be enough. Of course, we will then review the need to strengthen support for sectors affected by these tighter restrictions, Per Bolund said.
Mikael Brännvall, executive director of Swedish Performing Arts, says he understands that the government wants to take more steps to curb the spread of the infection.
– This means, in principle, that performing arts will not be possible during this period. Of course, it is important that the state backs this up with continued crisis support, says Mikael Brännvall.
Also, believe that a plan will be needed on how the Swedish scenes will return after the restrictions are lifted. Mikael Brännvall also notes that local restrictions that apply in various counties have meant that only a few scenes have been able to operate.
– For the large private performing arts sector, this makes no difference, because it has not been possible to play there for several months, says Mikael Brännvall.
– We are thinking mostly of private stage contractors, where many are struggling very hard to survive.
Nathanson Street is the CEO of Folkets hus and the parks are understanding the new restrictions.
– It is a further spread of the infection and we can only relate. If the health service and the Public Health Agency see that we need it, it goes without saying. We have been extremely careful how we run a non-transferable business.
A couple of weeks ago A meeting was held with the council of hearings in which the organizing organizations, the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Public Health Agency participated. How infectious events can occur was discussed.
How does it feel that the restrictions are now going in the other direction?
– It will hit harder. Previously, we had limited business activity, but now we have a real business ban.
Joppe Pihlgren, operations manager for Svensk Live, believes that eight people is almost equal to zero, as it means that the organizers cannot run a business.
– We had hopes of doing less but now it is completely canceled. It’s hard, damn hard. Both financially and mentally.
Says many organizers They have already canceled their events and that over time it will become increasingly difficult for the industry to survive.
– Now a long time has passed and many have found ways to move forward with the above restrictions. But now it is very important that it be about support because nothing can be done, says Pihlgren.
Can the industry live off concerts broadcast live?
– No, there is no economy at all. At first, it worked out because people wanted to support their favorite hook, but doing it commercially doesn’t work. It can be mental support but not financial visibility, Joppe Pihlgren responds.
The President of the Theater Association, Simon Norrthon The seriousness of the situation stands out due to all the cultural activities that are struggling in the prevailing conditions. It also demands greater foresight from the government.
– The spread of the infection is very serious and, of course, we support the government’s decision. But now it is important for the government to clearly state what happens in the future based on different scenarios in order to plan activities. Broad support is needed so that important jobs and skills don’t disappear. We persevere, but we need support, says Simon Norrthon.
Birgitta Svendén, executive director of the Royal Opera, also shows understanding for the situation. However, he currently finds it difficult to comment on future financial consequences.
– Everything is very uncertain now. We decided on Thursday to cancel all of our public presentations until the turn of the year, and if we don’t start with presentations soon, next year’s finances will also be hit hard. Our budget forecasts show that we can hold out through the first quarter of 2021, but after that we see huge revenue losses. We’ve already made big savings and will continue to do so, but how long they will last remains to be seen, says Birgitta Svendén.
She also raises that the pandemic results in loss of job skills.
– This applies to the entire performing arts industry, where more and more people are leaving their professions and looking for new jobs. We are already seeing a loss of skills, and if we do not get into something like normal conditions in 2021, we will probably lose more dancers and singers, but also set designers and all those who work with light and sound. Many professional categories are bleeding right now.
Riksteatern CEO Magnus Aspegren says they will be canceling touring activities until Christmas and must now begin work on how activities will begin in the spring, provided the spread of the infection is reduced.
– Now we turn to different types of support in crisis, because the entire industry is bleeding. They have indicated that it will come, and we must wait and trust it.
Isn’t it possible to run the business with the help of, for example, streaming performances?
– Of course, but the fact is that it does not generate as much income. We are looking for payment solutions now, where you can buy a ticket and watch from home, says Magnus Aspegren.
Read more:
Public meetings are limited to eight people.
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