Italy's 2021 Budget Allocates €600M Annually for Cinema and Culture Amid COVID-19
On October 18, 2020, a DPCM was released by the Italian government, introducing more stringent anti-COVID protocols. The measures allow theaters and cinemas to operate with assigned seating, a one-meter distance between individuals, and capacity restrictions of 1,000 for outdoor performances and 200 for indoor ones. Museums and cultural institutions will remain accessible. The 2021 budget law designates €40 billion, which includes €600 million each year for supporting cinema and cultural employment, €240 million for the cinema fund, and an extra €50 million for the Fondo Unico per lo Spettacolo (FUS). Additionally, the Bonus Vacanze is extended through June 30, 2021, and the Bonus Facciate until December 31, 2021. On October 11, 2020, workers in the entertainment sector rallied in Milan, advocating for sustainable event management regulations.
Key facts
- New DPCM on October 18, 2020, keeps theaters and cinemas open with capacity limits: 1,000 outdoor, 200 indoor.
- Museums and cultural sites remain open with safety protocols.
- Fairs of national/international interest are permitted.
- 2021 budget law totals €40 billion.
- €600 million annually for cinema and culture employment.
- €240 million per year for cinema and audiovisual fund, making tax credit increase permanent.
- FUS receives additional €50 million.
- Entertainment workers protested in Milan on October 11, 2020, with 500 black trunks.
Entities
Institutions
- Ministero per i Beni e le Attività Culturali e per il Turismo
- Artribune
- Bauli In Piazza
Locations
- Italy
- Milan
- Piazza Duomo