Creating a public funds optimization measure to reinforce the competitiveness of Costa Rica’s music sector

The Costa Rican music sector represents more than 0.1% of the national GDP, and it has the potential to support the country’s economic growth and sustainable development with adequate public policies. Through UNESCO’s participatory policymaking and consultation with a wide range of stakeholders, Costa Rica will design a measure to optimize public funds for the expansion of markets and improved competitiveness of the music sector. It is expected to generate a better business environment for musicians at the national and international levels, strengthen the ecosystem of the music sector, and develop practical skills and knowledge among actors of the music sector. The project addresses the following needs and challenges identified by the Ministry of Culture and Youth:
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Through UNESCO’s methodology of participatory policymaking and wide consultation of all key stakeholders, the project helps design regulatory measures for the music sector aimed at optimizing the use of public funds, promoting interactions between the public and private sectors, and setting up a system enabling the formation of professional associations.
By organizing training workshops targeting key government and civil society stakeholders, the project will ensure that Costa Rica is empowered to implement the new regulatory measures to strengthen the sector’s professionalization and formalization.
- February 2021: Project launch
- February to April 2021: Diagnostic phase
- April to July 2021: Series of open-virtual training modules by regional and local experts on the following themes :
- musical ecosystems
- associative practices
- digital content
- business models
- August to October 2021: Mentoring and on-the-job training of a selection of eight projects led by young professionals from the music sector.
- November 2021: Peer-to-Peer exchanges with Chile, Colombia and Spain.
- October/November 2021: An International Forum led to the creation of an action plan to promote the music sector and the formulation of recommendations for a better Social Security System for artists. The forum counted experts from Spain, Colombia and Chile.
- December 2021: Virtual project closure in the presence of Costa Rican Minister for Culture and the EU Head of Cooperation of the Delegation of the European Union in Costa Rica.