Local policy measures and sustainability of local cultural actors during Covid-19: Case of Kino Usmev

Abstract

Literature suggest that local cultural centers have a potential to contribute to local sustainable development, spillovers to other sectors, urban regeneration and promote practices of care and solidarity. This being especially relevant in the times of crisis and post pandemic reorganization of cultural and creative ecosystems. This paper analyzes how the pandemic affects sustainability of local cultural center Kino Usmev, community non-governmental organization in the second biggest city of Slovakia, European Capital of Culture in 2013 and how local and national policies and COVID-19 related measures affect its future sustainability. Paper uses policy documents, government and municipal websites, but the core of the analysis is a case study based on three semi structured interviews with management of Kino Usmev, focused on four pillars of sustainability – economic, environmental, social and governance - complemented by policy related questions. The results indicate that policies of austerity and resilience are mostly applied by both national and local governments, with insufficient coordination, chaotic measures and lack of strategic planning. This creates vulnerability for local cultural centers, threatens their existence and prevents them to fully develop their potential as important actors of urban ecosystems with further socio-economic spillovers to other sectors.