Professional paper
https://doi.org/10.5673/sip.59.3.6
Online Performing Arts in the Age of Pandemic: A Necessary Evil or a New Cultural Practice?
Lana Domšić
; University of Applied Sciences Baltazar Zaprešić, Croatia
Barbara Franić
; University of Applied Sciences Baltazar Zaprešić, Croatia
Lucija Marjanović
orcid.org/0000-0002-7592-7236
; University of Applied Sciences Baltazar Zaprešić, Croatia
Abstract
The current crisis caused by the COVID-19 virus and the consequent measures of restricting
gatherings, long-term postponement of public performances and the closure of cultural institutions
strongly influenced the performing arts sector. Concerts, theatre and dance imply the
gathering of a large number of people and the possibility of collective enjoyment in works of
art. The restrictions that still exist have therefore led to major economic losses, job losses and
endangerment of existence of independent artists.
At the same time, digital media made it possible to offer different cultural content online and
various unconventional ways of dance and theatre performances, virtual concerts and special
musical events emerged. The online cultural offer was initially free and over time some charging
models were introduced.
The aim of this paper was to map different practices of virtual distribution of performing arts
in Croatia that emerged in response to the crisis caused by COVID-19 and to explore users’
attitudes about online presentation of performing arts and their willingness to pay for such
content. The conducted research showed that Croatian cultural institutions and independent
artists quickly responded to the pandemic crisis by providing a variety of online content. According
to the survey, more than a half of students consumed some of these content during the
pandemic period, but the vast majority consider online performances to be a poor substitute
for live performances and do not express intent to follow such content after the pandemic.
Keywords
cultural and creative sector; performing arts; online performances; digital consumption; COVID-19; pandemic; user research; willingness to pay
Hrčak ID:
271646
URI
Publication date:
31.1.2022.
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