The fifth Mercantes Fair, to be held in Seville on 14 and 15 November, aims to be "an incentive" in this “critical” situation.
Since 1 September 2012, one performing arts company closes business every day in Spain.
Daniel Martinez, president of the Spanish Federation of Business Associations of Theatre and Dance (FAETEDA) has painted a bleak picture for the sector it represents, which has worsened dramatically with the 13-point-rise of VAT of culture. "The situation is devastating," he said stressing the need to "restore dignity". Although there are no official contacts with the government on this issue, there are occurring conversations "with those who have decision-making capacity," said Martinez, for whom "there is only one possible partner: the PP (the governing party), because the rest is pure illusion.
As regards the increase in VAT from 8% to 21%, the president of FAETEDA said it is "indispensable to be considered as part of Europe, where there is a reduced VAT 'and has ruled out as recently manifested M ª Dolores Cospedal, "find compensatory measures' for the sector. But Martinez believes that "the worst" is the "feeling of underestimation" expressed by the Government, which "must be remedied." "This has been a very unfortunate and hasty political decision", he said adding that it will not produce the desired tax collection effect but a "real erosion" in the field of performing arts.
One result already felt is the decline in the quality of the shows. "The banality of television had already been reflected on stage but it had not affected the quality of production. Now, in search of easy success and beset by the situation, many employers are unable to maintain the quality of the stage production, "he explained.
Moreover, the rumor that there will be a further reduction of public resources for culture would, in the opinion of Daniel Martinez, "be a threat” for the sector. It is foreseen that in early October there will be some preliminary figures of the impact of this tax increase in the sector, which will then be revised monthly.
Position of Mercantes
For his part, José Luis Rivero, president of RedEspañola de Teatros, Circuitos, Auditorios y Festivales (Spanish Network of Theatres, Circuits, Auditoriums and Festivals) has indicated that the next edition of Mercartes will manifest a "clear position" of the sector to government measures that he believes, "have been dressed circumstantial." In the festival, a report on the situation and market trends in the performing arts will be published together with a manifesto expressing the point of view of the sector.
Producers, distributors, responsible of public institutions, managers, artists and companies, will be present at this fair that will count with numerous promotional activities such as the Business Forum, the guided tours for programmers, project presentations and meetings with Iberoamerican developers and representatives. Stimulating trade is one of the central objectives. Moreover, all this adds up to the conclusion of the XII International Book Theatre organized by the Association of playwrights. This year, Caracas and Mexico are the invited countries.
http://www.abc.es/20120919/cultura/abci-cada-cierra-empresa-artes-201209191838.html