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LOCAL Friday 11 September 2020

Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the Cultural and Creative Sectors of Aruba

Continued from Page 8 expected. They will most this will further impact the some areas: services. How will this help
likely continue to face Aruban economy and its • Students are en- the local economy grow?
This affects independent declining advertising pro- people. However, there are abled to use virtual classes Overall, the responsibil-
artists, artisans, variety and ceeds. This development aspects to consider espe- and, as a side effect, test ity lies with everyone. It
cabaret theatres, and cul- depends to a large extent cially concerning the Aru- and prove the functionality should not only fall on the
tural education companies on the development of the ban cultural and creative of the systems. Whether this shoulders of the govern-
such as dance and music advertising market and thus industries who in many is being done effectively, ment. Are there areas for
schools. In many cases, on the economic situation cases are left behind and we can further debate. But improvement? With no
these professional groups of the overall economy. forgotten. The urge is to how will we make sure that doubt!
depend on performances call on procedures that are even at home students can But we as a community
and events as well. Due to Moving Forward more fair and balanced, have access to a creative should fight this as well.
the cancellation of events, There is no discussion and to also raise awareness outlet? This column will always
the turnovers almost abso- whether the Aruban Gov- within the community that • There is a growing support Aruban creatives
lutely disappear. Further- ernment is doing a great seems to only support these demand for “stay in house” and creative businesses.
more, in the broadcasting job in fighting this pandem- creatives when times are innovative and more tech- Hope remains to soon re-
industry, it is anticipated ic. Could things have gone good. Despite the threat- nological advanced servic- solve the difficult situation
that radio and television better, of course. Covid-19 ening aspects of the pan- es, such as online streaming these creatives are stuck
broadcasters will suffer came without a warning, demic described above, services, innovative food with. Creativity and culture
more from the COVID-19 manual and instructions. the crisis also offered op- delivery services, and on- should not be forgotten or
pandemic than originally No one can predict how portunities to innovate in line shopping and delivery disposable.q

Biography - Thaïs G. Franken (25) is a recently graduated Aruban student at the University of Maastricht
(UM). She obtained her graduate double master of science degree in Public Policy and Human Develop-
ment in collaboration with the United Nations University Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute
on Innovation and Technology (UNU-MERIT). Back home, on the beautiful island of Aruba, she completed
her Bachelor of Arts in Organization, Governance & Management (OGM) at the University of Aruba (UA),
where she successfully defended her thesis titled “Placing Culture and Creativity at the Heart of the Aru-
ban Sustainable Development”. It was precisely this research project that inspired the emergence of the
“Creative Islander” column in 2018. Thaïs is very passionate about topics such as sustainability, innovation,
culture, creativity, social entrepreneurship and their role in public management. Next to her academic in-
terests, she enjoys reading, writing, dancing and cooking.