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AEA Consulting: The Platform

We are, like you, hunkered down at our respective homes, Zooming and Goto-ing endlessly, keeping our distance and trying to find a new rhythm and balance. One of our team is emerging triumphant from a battle with the virus... Otherwise, we are all safe and well and hope fervently that you are too. 

This issue of The Platform inevitably focuses on the pandemic and how it is affecting the cultural sector. We are trying to make sense of it all - and where things are heading - for our clients and sector colleagues - and for ourselves;  to learn from the past; and to test some possible scenarios. 

AEA Team

Culture & COVID-19

Short- and longer-term implications for the cultural sector. 

After COVID-19 – What Next for the Cultural Sector?

by Daniel Payne

The COVID-19 pandemic is bringing fundamental challenges to the cultural sector around the world and forcing hard decisions about programs, staffing, and public safety. At a moment when it is difficult to forecast the next ten days precisely, it might seem slightly absurd to think about a ten-year horizon. It is worth the effort – wiser investment of time and resources is made with a lens tilted toward the future. Below are six factors that should probably inform intelligent decision making.

Read more...

Photo: Wikipedia. Author: Numberguy6

Photo: Wikipedia. Author: Numberguy6

The Longer Term

by Adrian Ellis

Up until a week ago shuttered arts organizations were on the front line of reporting about the economic and social impact of the Coronavirus pandemic, alongside airlines and cruise ships, restaurants, hotels, conferencing and live entertainment. They have, inevitably and justifiably, all now been overtaken by more visceral reportage of health and social services as hospitals and emergency workers try to prepare for whatever lies ahead. 

Read more...

Photo: KSNB / AP Photo / Jeff Chiu

Culture & COVID-19 


In an op-ed for The Wall Street Journal, Director Adrian Ellis writes about the short- and possible longer-term implications for the sector. He also talked about the same topic with Dr. Maxwell Anderson on Max's new podcast, Art Scoping.

Read The Wall Street Journal here. Listen to the podcast here

Photo: WSJ / John Nacion / Nurphoto / Zuma Press

Culture in Quarantine

Here are some online events and activities we have been enjoying and admiring...

ALL ARTS by WNET


An arts and culture hub created by WNET, ALL ARTS provides accessible cultural programming to viewers in the United States for free. Enjoy your favorite artists and performances from all major streaming platforms. 

Learn how to watch here

ALL ARTS created by WNET

Alserkal Online


In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to self-distance, the Alserkal Avenue Galleries have brought their Art Week exhibitions online with 360-degree views from the comfort of your home. On the platform, you can explore exhibitions, read about artworks, watch interviews with the galleries, and inquire about your favorite pieces for sale. 

Visit Alserkal Online here

Alserkal is a member of the Global Cultural Districts Network

Alserkal Avenue

Dancing Alone Together


In this unprecedented time of isolation, Dancing Alone Together aims to be a central resource for the digital dance world that is beginning to bloom. Primarily functioning as an Instagram account, it gathers and distributes information regarding live-streamed dance classes, movement-making prompts, and opportunities to watch performances online.

Check out Dancing Alone Together online and on Instagram

Photo courtesy of Dancing Alone Together

Fred Hersch: Mini-Concert Every Day


Jazz pianist Fred Hersch is presenting a daily mini-concert to provide relief and a distraction from the threat of the coronavirus pandemic. Every day at 1pm EST, Hersch performs from his home piano to an at-home audience while also sharing personal stories behind the music. He even will take a request! 

Tune-in to Fred's Facebook daily mini-concerts here

Photo: ArtsJournal blog

A Portrait in Resilience 

Featuring companies and institutions that have met crisis with resilience. 

Grazia Maioliche


Based in the city of Deruta in central Italy, the Grazia famiglia has produced majolica - decorated, tin-glazed pottery - since 1500. While standing up against many world crises has been part of their story, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the business has closed its factory doors for the first time in 550+ years. We at AEA would like to show our support to the many artisans and crafts(wo)men who create these decadent pieces of art. 

Learn more about Grazia Maioliche here


Grazia Maioliche

Photo: Grazia Maioliche


AEA Consulting is a global firm setting the standard in strategy and planning for the cultural and creative industries.

We are known for our candid and impartial advice that draws on deep knowledge of the cultural sector as well as robust research and analytical insight.

Since 1991, we have successfully delivered more than 1,000 assignments in 35 countries, helping clients around the world plan and realize vital and sustainable cultural projects.