As 2020 drew to a close, I interviewed Chris Millado, artistic director of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), and asked his thoughts for 2021.
It’s interesting to know what lies ahead for the industry as performing arts is one of the hardest hit sector and is expected to be the last to bounce back once the Covid-19 pandemic is over.
As mass gatherings were prohibited to stop the spread of virus, the result was loss of livelihood for cultural workers and absence of live performance experience for art patrons.
“Will 2021 be better for the producers and consumers in the performing arts industry?” I asked Chris.
“The performing arts bounces back to the live venues empowered by the uses of digital technology and an enlightened appreciation of the importance of health and wellness,” he answered.
Chris promised that CCP will continue to “ramp up its online presence by exploring even more engaging digital strategies like augmented reality, virtual reality and binaural recordings.”
Finally, for those who miss the live experience, there is a glimmer of hope.
“As the protocol for public gatherings eases with the management of vaccines, the CCP venues implements its modified front of house services that has been put in place during the lockdown.”