COVID-19 Impact Greece.pdf

The COVID-19 pandemic led to an unprecedented state of emergency in Greece's cultural sector, halting all cultural activities for over a year. The sector was severely affected, with museums, monuments, and cultural institutions ceasing to operate. The Ministry of Culture and Sports implemented measures to support the sector, including special programs and allowances, totaling over EUR 350 million. Despite the challenges, the pandemic accelerated the online promotion of cultural content, with a sharp increase in digital traffic and the use of modern technology to keep the public engaged. The sector has begun to recover, with the inauguration of new institutions and events, such as "All Greece one Culture," which hosted 251 performances in 111 archaeological sites and museums. Statistics show an increase in museum and archaeological site visitors and revenue in 2021 compared to 2020, with a 26.0% increase in museum visitors and a 53.9% increase in archaeological site visitors. However, the pandemic has also highlighted the need for sustainability and audience participation in cultural spaces, marking a new era for the management of art and culture in Greece.