German economist warns second lockdown would devastate cultural sector

As France enters a new lockdown from October 29 and Germany debates a 'light' lockdown starting November 4, German economist Michael Huether, director of the Institut der deutschen Wirtschaft, warns in Handelsblatt that a second lockdown would mean the end for many retailers, hotels, restaurants, trade fairs, and cultural institutions. He emphasizes that many business models would not survive and that society must learn to live with the virus. Germany had previously increased funds for contemporary art acquisitions from €500,000 to €3 million and launched the NEUSTART KULTUR program with a €16 million fund to support galleries. In Italy, the October 25 DPCM closed cinemas, theaters, and canceled fairs, prompting protests and an appeal from Italian culture councilors to Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, Culture Minister Dario Franceschini, Labor Minister Nunzia Catalfo, and Economic Development Minister Stefano Patuanelli. The closures have affected Turin's art week events including Artissima, Flashback, NESXT, and The Others.