Artistic groups integrate dialogue table to reactivate theatrical scenarios

Associations and trade unions of producers, playwrights, independent theatologists and representatives of theater halls met with directors of the Ministry of Culture at a dialogue table with the aim of interviewing proposals to strengthen actions for economic reactivation of cultural and creative industries and thus receiving inputs from sectors dedicated to performing arts in Panama.

Members of the Association of Panama's Teatologists (ASTEP) and of the Panamanian Association of Arts Professionals (UPPA), the Association of Audiovisual Interpreting Rights of Panama (ASDAP), the Festival of Academic Arts (FAE), and the Panamanian Association of Artists (APA), the Tocando Madera Foundation and representatives of theatrical hall owners such as ABA Theater, The Angel Theater and Pacific Theater and recognized local stage developers have shared their impressions about the initiatives that will be put into play as a means of reactivation to bring about a new and remodel of the challenges that will be put into practice.

Carlos Aguilar Navarro, Minister of Culture, reiterated to artists and members of performing arts associations the free use of state theatres such as the Anita Villalaz and the Balboa Theater from March to August so that they can produce their shows from Monday to Friday, complying with the standards established by the health authorities.

He also reiterated the discussions to be held with MIVIOT representatives over the next few days, where it is hoped that local and local leasers will be able to reach an agreement to achieve financial relief to assist with economic revitalization of this important cultural sector.

That approach, first with the trade unions representing the country's performing arts, was a great opportunity to hear proposals that could be brought before the Cabinet Council as part of the initiatives to get the theater back to its vital space in the Panamanian economy prior to the arrival of the COVID19 pandemic.

Similarly, work is currently under way to develop with the partners an awareness campaign for the opening up of Cultural and Creative Industries, called "# MiCulturaSegura."