The opposition in the Bavarian state parliament brings representatives from the independent cultural scene to an expert hearing.
They complain about insufficient assistance and fear the devastating consequences of the lockdown.
Not in the coming year, improvement is not in sight until 2022.
“Events beforehand do not contribute to the refinancing”, says Joachim Schulz from the private post hall in Würzburg.
All participants in this hearing agree that the pandemic will require perseverance.
And many, it became clear, must have run out of air on the way to light.
The parliamentary groups of the SPD, Greens and FDP asked a number of experts for their assessment - in a virtual conference that was moderated from the state parliament.
A disturbing to devastating picture of the cultural scene was drawn.
And it always became clear that there is a fatal gap between political announcements for support and implementation.
As reported, in Bavaria, for example, it is still not possible to apply for artist aid.
Over 37 million euros are held ready - and wait in vain to be called.
"All funding models disregard the reality of different income models," criticized Jochen Schölch.
The boss of the Munich Metropoltheater reminded us that the same artist often gets money in different ways, sometimes as a freelancer, sometimes as a temporary permanent employee.
Schölch suggested using the income tax of the past three years for funding.
In addition: "What should you do with three times 1000 euros per month in a metropolis like Munich?"
"The audience is weaned"
One had hoped for far too long that politicians would keep their promises, said Sigrid Diewald from the regional association for culture and creative industries.
She said self-critically that perhaps earlier legal action should have been taken - especially against the closure of theaters, cinemas and concert halls.
What became clear at the hearing: All cultural providers fear for their audience even after the hot phase of the pandemic.
Patrick Oginski, managing director of Südpolentertainment, noticed a “certain lethargy” during the brief opening phase in summer and autumn.
The audience is "increasingly weaned".
He demanded models that go beyond the pilot test at the Bavarian State Opera or Gasteig with temporarily 500 visitors.
In the spring of 2021, you must definitely be able to sell 20 to 30 percent of the card contingents.
The cinema industry is struggling with another problem: with increasing digitization and the practice of the major film providers to broadcast more and more works, for example via Netflix.
“The acceptance of the cinemas is dwindling,” warned Thomas Negele, President of the leading organization of the film industry.
"We can't keep unlocking and locking again, otherwise the cinemas will be out of the market at some point."
Events and tickets could get more expensive
According to this hearing, the effects of the pandemic are more dangerous and longer-term than expected.
Joachim Schulz from the Posthalle Würzburg reported that more and more skilled personnel are leaving and are looking for new, secure fields of activity.
He predicted that in view of the financial cuts by the public sector, events and thus tickets would become more expensive.
In combination with the new digital offers, there is a serious threat: "We are losing a whole generation of potential visitors."
The organizers Sanne Kurz (Greens), Wolfram Halibisch (SPD) and Wolfgang Heubisch (FDP) were impressed to concerned and promised to take up the suggestions.
Perhaps, so Heubisch, an official hearing in a joint meeting of the Art and Economics Committee will soon be possible.
The government parliamentary groups had not yet made this possible, which is why the opposition started its own hearing.
“Above all, we have to do something now,” said half-body - “and not just take the Christmas break”.
