"The meaning of the existence of our state is culture and language. Culture is what makes Latvia. During the pandemic, culture has been affected most directly. Latvia is called a cultural superstate - it is necessary to create an appropriate policy to exit the crisis," said the Minister.
The Ministry of Culture has accordingly developed a plan for the situation.
The plan foresees loss refunds that allow for recovery from the first knockdown of the crisis. The funding needed for this is the largest part of the money needed for the entire plan.
Compensation is necessary for State capital companies: operas, theaters, non-governmental organizations, private enterprises, event organizers. The compensation scheme will be clarified next week and offered by the Finance Ministry.
Support measure implementation has also been planned. The aid is expected to come through the State Culture Capital Foundation. The aim is not to survive, but keep creating.
The third area of focus is growth to make it easier to emerge from the crisis. This section of the plan expects public investment and orders in the future.
This needs a total of EUR 32 million.
"It is a plan fit for a cultural superstate to gain strength from this pandemic," said Puntulis.
