Survey Report

Questionnaire Related
to the Activity Status of
Artists in Kyoto［Summary］

Questionnaire Related to the Activity Status of
Artists in Kyoto
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kyoto City held a questionnaire to clarify the current situation of individuals, organizations, and businesses engaged in culture and the arts, and to ascertain what was needed for them to restart and sustain their activities. The questionnaire

was answered by those from various ﬁelds—including ﬁne art, music, theater, dance, traditional performing arts, and lifestyle culture—working in a range of diﬀerent capacities such as
expression, education and research, and technology.

The questionnaire revealed that more than 90% of individuals, organizations, and businesses

were forced to postpone or cancel their performances, exhibitions, events, etc., due to thepandemic. Loss of income due to these postponements and cancellations averaged at
882,000 yen per individual, and 3,645,000 yen per organization/business. In total, theincome of individuals was down 890 million yen, and down 870 million yen for organizations/businesses. These ﬁgures only represent those of respondents (1,122 individuals; 280
organizations/businesses), and the actual economic loss is thought to be much greater.

Responses also revealed that, due to loss of income, individuals struggled to sustain their activi-

ties due to the costs of creation and presentation, while for organizations/businesses, it was thecosts of creation, management, and outsourcing related to culture and the arts. There werealso many individuals who said they struggled to pay for food and daily necessities, showingthat in ﬁelds with many individuals whose principal source of income is artistic activity, not only
was their work aﬀected, but their livelihood, too.

When asked what problems they are currently facing, the most common response amongindividuals was “Loss of opportunity to showcase artwork.” The next most common response

was “Unable to make a living,” following which was “Unable to provid/be provided training or

instructions for the study of arts.” For organizations/businesses, the most common response

was “Losses due to postponement or cancellation of performances, exhibitions, events, etc.,”
and the second most common was “Unable to predict the future of the business.” When

asked what type of assistance was required, the most common response among individuals,organizations, and businesses was “Loss compensation.” Next was “Funding assistance forrestarting activities and new developments,” then “Opportunities and venues for cultural andart activities,” and “Assistance with online development.” It is clear from these responses thatboth ﬁnancial support and support to continue activities is required.

In view of these serious responses, as a city of culture and arts, Kyoto will examine future
measures and continuously support culture and art activities. This will ensure that those in
the ﬁeld can succeed in their endeavors to ﬁnd new ways of expression and appreciation as
they live in a society alongside the virus.

2Summary of the survey results

Overview of the Survey

Response period

Inplement
organization

Subjects

MethodNumber of
responses

Number ofvalid responses

Survey design
andAnalysis coorperation

Publication

May 7th～20th, 2020（14 days）

Kyoto City（implemented by Kyoto Art Center［Kyoto Arts and Culture Foundation］）①Indivisuals who have residence or base of activities in Kyoto②Organizations/Businesses operating or that have base in Kyoto

Internet Survey（some by mail）

Indivisuals: 1,184

Organizations/Businesses: 292

Indivisuals: 1,122

Organizations/Businesses: 280※One of the followings in Kyoto prefecture: residence, base of activities or production and presentation

Osawa Torao（Center for Arts and Culture, NLI Research Institute, NPO Arts NPO Link board）
Higuchi Sadayuki（Osaka City University Urban Research Plaza Research fellow）
Nakagawa Shin（Osaka City University Urban Research Plaza Specially Appointed Professor）
Yoshizawa Yayoi（Kyoritsu Women's University Professor）

Kyoto city, Kyoto Art Center（Kyoto Arts and Culture Foundation）

3

Key Point
KEY POINT

1

Almost all respondents had to postpone or cancel performances, exhi-

bitions, events, etc., due to COVID-19. On average, individuals saw aloss of 882,000 yen each, and organizations/businesses a loss of

3,645,000 yen. These losses meant that respondents couldnʼt pay forthe costs of creation and presentation, management and maintenanceof oﬃces and facilities, and food and daily necessities.

KEY POINT

2

KEY POINT

3

When asked what diﬃculties they were currently facing, 910 respondents (81.1%) said “Loss of opportunity to showcase artwork.” Morethan 50% said they were “Unable to make a living,” highlighting thegravity of the situation.

“Loss compensation” was the most common response when asked
what support was most required, while other responses included“Funding assistance for restarting activities and new developments,”“Opportunities and venues for cultural and art activities,” and “Assistance with online development.” Respondents also highlighted theneed for consultation and information regarding assistance measures,showing how comprehensive support measures are required.

KEY POINT

4

In the free comments section, although many respondents wrote that
the Kyoto City Cultural Arts Activity Emergency Incentive Grant would
support the continuation of their activities, many were still facing

severe diﬃculties, showing that continued support and improved environments will be essential.

4Introduction
Main Occupation/Secondary Occupation and Main Business/Side BusinessThis questionnaire was held at the same time as calls for applicants to the Kyoto City

Cultural Arts Activity Emergency Incentive Grant. The questionnaire aimed to reveal how
COVID-19 had aﬀected activities, and those who stated culture and the arts as theirmain occupation—and who were only engaged in activities related to culture and the arts
(main occupation and main business)—accounted for around 50% of respondents. By

category, around 75% of those involved in traditional performing arts stated that it was
their main business, which was the highest percentage of all categories.

Main Occupation/Secondary Occupation and Main Business/Side Business
Secondary occupation is arts and culture,
but works only in arts and culture activities.
(Secondary occupation and main business)

Secondary occupation is arts and culture, andworks not related to arts and culture activities.
(Secondary occupation and side business)

1.6%

12.8%

Main occupation is arts and culture,
and works only in arts and culture activities.
(Main occupation and main business)

Main occupation is arts and culture,
but works not related to artsand culture activities.
(Main occupation and side business)

50.4%

35.1%

12.8

1.6

Literature

28

32.1

35.7

32.1

0.0

Music

260

57.7

28.1

12.3

1.9

Visual art

451

43.7

44.3

9.8

2.2

Theater and Dance

225

50.2

31.1

18.7

0.0

Film, manga and media arts 38

55.3

21.1

23.7

0.0

Traditional performing arts

56

75.0

17.9

3.6

3.6

Lifestyle culture and national entertainment

38

52.6

31.6

13.2

2.6

Design, architecture and fashion

24

50.0

45.8

4.2

0.0

50.4

0

（Non-response 2）

5

20

SecondaryOccupation/
Main Business

35.1

SecondaryOccupation/
Side Business

50.4

Main Occupation/
Side Business

1122

All Categories

Main Occupation/
Main Business

Cases

M
M ain
ai O
n
Bu ccusi pa
ne t
ss ion/M
Si ain
de O
Bu cc
si up
ne at
ss ion/Se
Sid cone B daus ry Oine c
ss cupat
ion
Se/
Ma conin da
Bu ry
sin Oc
es cu
s pa
tio
n/

The categories of dicipline genre of Main Occupation/Secondary Occupationand Main Business/Side Business (8 categories )

35.1

40

60

12.8

80

1.6

100（%）

Summary
KEY POINT 1

The Eﬀects of COVID-19 and Financial Losses

On average, individuals saw a loss of 882,000 yen each, and organizations/businesses
a loss of 3,645,000 yen. In total, the income of individuals was down 890 million yen,and down 870 million yen for organizations/businesses. These ﬁgures only represent

those of respondents to the questionnaire (1,122 individuals; 280 organizations/busi-

nesses), and the actual economic loss is thought to be much greater. By month, April

saw the highest losses. For individuals, these losses aﬀected the ability to pay for pre-sentation and creation activities, tools, and food and daily necessities. For organizations/businesses, the losses aﬀected the ability to pay for operational costs, management and maintenance of oﬃces and facilities, equipment, and more.
Individuals
More than 10 million yen

Accounting for Income Losses
Amount (Yen)

Total

More than 5 million yen
and less than 10 million yen

882,367

Max.

26,500,000

Min.

0

Total (case)40

Not applicable (case)

70

Less than 100,000 yen

19.2%

More than 1 million yen
and less than 5 million yen

22.2%

1,012

Non-response (case)

3.8%

1.3%

892,954,903

AverageNon-response

0.9%

More than 100,000 yen andless than 1 million yen

52.6%

Expenses aﬀecting payment
number of cases

Activity fee cost for creation and presentation 726
Wages for staﬀ and part-time workers

Management and maintenance costs
for oﬃces and facilities, equipment, and more

69.0

155

14.7

404

38.4

Purchase of equipment, supplies and tools 604

57.4

Cost of training and study

262

Cost of food and household items

497

Eating out and entertainment expenses

284

Housing costs and utilities

430

No expenditures are aﬀected

57

5.4

Other

35

3.3

Non-response
Total(n)Not applicable

24.9

47.2
27.0
40.9

26
1,052

2.5
0

10

70

6

20

30

40

50

60

70

80（%）

Organizations/Businesses

Accounting for Income Losses

871,180,211

Average

3,645,105

Max.

298,000,000

Min.

0

Total (case)239

Non-response (case)21

Not applicable (case)

20

8.1%

6.2%

Amount (Yen)

Total

Non-response

More than 10 million yen

More than 5 million yen

and less than 10 million yen

2.7%

Less than 100,000 yen

23.8%More than 1 million yen

and less than 5 million yen

22.3%

More than 100,000 yen
and less than 1 million yen

36.9%

Expenses aﬀecting payment
number of cases
Production, project and commission
fees related to arts and culture

170

Non-arts and culture operating expenses

27

Payment of business owners and directors

53

20.4

Payment for permanent employees

46

17.7

Payment of temporary employees

35

65.4
10.4

13.5

Management and maintenance costs
for oﬃces and facilities, equipment, and more

92

No expenditures are aﬀected

24

Other

15

5.8

Non-response

11

4.2

Total(n)

260

35.4
45.0

Purchase of equipment, supplies and tools 117

Not applicable

9.2

0

20

7

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80（%）

KEY POINT 2

Current Diﬃculties

When asked about current diﬃculties, 910 individuals (81.1%) said “Loss of opportunity to

showcase artwork.” Meanwhile, the gravity of the situation was highlighted by the fact that
more than 50% responded “Unable to make a living.” Among organizations/businesses, theseverity of current circumstances was clear with 70% concerned about “Losses due to postponement or cancellation of performances, exhibitions, events, etc.,” and more than 50%“Unable to predict the future of the business.” Both individuals and organizations/businesses stated that psychologically, their motivation toward activities related to culture and thearts had decreased, with other tangible worries such as “Unable to maintain oﬃces, facilities, etc.” showing the various issues that respondents are facing.
Current Diﬃculties（multiple answers）

individuals

number of cases

Loss of opportunity to showcase artwork

910

Lack of creativity (mental health issues)

277

Unable to make a living

605

Unable to pay staﬀ, part-time workers, etc.

133

No on-the-job training or instruction/training of skills

321

Unable to maintain oﬃces, facilities, etc.

277

81.1
24.7

53.9
11.9

28.6
24.7

Not certain of the support measures that apply to you,such as leave compensation and beneﬁts

266

No service to consult regarding the creative process

145

12.9

No service to consult regarding life support and management

110

9.8

Nothing in particular

20

1.8

Other

114

10.2

Non-response

23.7

13

Total (n)

1,122

1.2
0

20

40

60

80

100（%）

Organizations/Businesses
number of cases

Losses due to postponement or cancellation of performances, exhibitions, events, etc. 206
Refund and change procedures for postponement or cancellation of performances, exhibitions, events, etc.

73.6

60

21.4

Unable to predict the future of the business (decrease in business income) 145
Unable to pay wages to employees, expenses to suppliers, and compensation to performers and instructors

51.8

65

23.2
27.9

Unable to maintain oﬃces, workshops, studios, classrooms, facilities, etc.

78

No prospect of repayment of special or emergency loans

42

15.0

Not certain of the support measures that apply to groups and establishments,
such as leave compensation and beneﬁts

36

12.9

Mental health concerns of employees and constituents84

Lack of motivation to engage in cultural and artistic activities ( a decline in motivation)

94

No service to consult regarding the creative process

31

No service to consult regarding management

20

30.0

33.6
11.1
7.1

Nothing in particular

5

1.8

Other

27

9.6

Non-response

1.8

5

Total (n)

280

8

0

10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80（%）

KEY POINT 3

Necessary Support for Culture and Art Activities“Loss compensation” was the most common response when respondents were asked

what assistance they required (individuals: 53.7%; organizations/businesses: 51.8%). Other

common responses were “Funding assistance for restarting activities and new developments” (43.9%; 37.1%), “Opportunities and venues for cultural and art activities” (35.7%;

32.9%), and “Assistance with online development” (32.4%; 29.6%). Many responded thatthey would like “Consultation and information regarding assistance measures,” as wellas “Information transmission, awareness, education, and suggestions regarding culture
and art activities,” showing the need for a comprehensive range of support.

Necessary support (max. 3)

individuals

number of cases

Consultation and information regarding assistance measures

284

25.3

Support for loss compensation caused by the postponement orcancellation of performances, exhibitions, events, etc.

603

Information transmission, awareness, education, and suggestions regarding culture and art activities

225

Consultation specialized on COVID-19 in the implementation of cultural and artistic activities

143

Opportunities and venues for cultural and art activities

400

Support for networking between cultural and artistic activities and other social ﬁelds and disciplines

175

15.6

Support for hygiene supplies and equipment necessary for cultural and artistic activities

121

10.8

Assistance with online development

363

53.7
20.1
12.7

35.7

32.4

43.9

Funding assistance of for restarting activities and new developments 492
Funding assistance of equipment for restarting activities and new developments

211

18.8

Other

27

2.4

Non-response

19

Total (n)

1,122

1.7
0

10

20

30

40

50

60（%）

40

50

60（%）

Organizations/Businesses
Consultation and information regarding assistance measuresnumber of cases

Support for loss compensation caused by the postponement orcancellation of performances, exhibitions, events, etc.

80

28.6

145

Information transmission, awareness, education, and suggestions regarding culture and art activities

68

Consultation specialized on COVID-19 in the implementation of cultural and artistic activities

40

Opportunities and venues for cultural and art activities

92

Support for networking between cultural and artistic activities and other social ﬁelds and disciplines

38

Support for hygiene supplies and equipment necessary for cultural and artistic activities

57

Assistance with online development

83

51.8
24.3
14.3

32.9
13.6
20.4
29.6

37.1

Funding assistance of for restarting activities and new developments 104
Funding assistance of equipment for restarting activities and new developments

48

17.1

Other

13

4.6

Non-response

9

Total (n)

280

9

3.2
0

10

20

30

KEY POINT 4

Free Comments

In the free comments section, although many respondents wrote that the Emergency Incentive Grant would support the continuation of their activities, many were still facing
severe diﬃculties, showing that continued support and improved environments will be key.

Current Situation
I think it isnʼt only us performers, but everyone involved in theater, such as stagehands, thathave no income. If stagehands, lighting staﬀ, and sound technicians… all leave, it will haveserious eﬀects on the future of our theatrical activities. (Traditional performing arts/Artist, creator)Itʼs diﬃcult to see what role art plays during this COVID-19 pandemic. (Lifestyle culture/Artist, creator)

As a creator living in Kyoto, I could apply for the incentive with peace of mind. Compared tothe other special cash payments, the process was much smoother. (Fine Art/Artist, creator)

I can only be thankful for this incentive from Kyoto City. Even though Iʼm struggling to makea living, support such as this motivates me to keep creating. (Fine Art/Artist, creator)

There is only so much you can do with online singing and piano lessons because of sound limitations, so Iʼm currently looking at new styles and new ways of teaching. (Music/Educator, researcher)

There is so much information, such as that on new support measures and new trends, that I
canʼt take it all in. I donʼt know what is right. (Fine Art/planner, producer)

Due to the very nature of theater, we canʼt create if people arenʼt there to see it, and so
weʼre currently at a standstill. We are, however, trying to look for new ways of doing things.
(Theater, dance/Facility manager)

Since April, sales have decreased by more than 95% compared to last year. Iʼm not sure thecompany can survive if things stay as they are. (Design, architecture, fashion/Engineer)10Support Measures
As a whole, the industry needs some sort of support system or safety net. (Traditional performing arts/Artist, creator)

We need opportunities to learn more about IT so that we can communicate information
online. (Music/Artist, creator)

It would be nice to have a consultation counter that can connect us with the appropriate
specialists or departments. (Art/Facility manager)Iʼd like the city to open up spaces for performance and training. (Theater, dance/Artist, creator)

The Kyoto City Cultural Arts Activity Emergency Incentive Grant is a fantastic system. Iʼdreally like the city to keep an eye on the current circumstances, and continue their support
as and when required. (Theater, dance/Artist, creator)

I think itʼs important to create an environment in which, during emergencies, artists canearn enough income through online events. Iʼm sure that sort of support would help everyone concerned. (Music/Artist, creator)

It would be great to have an online platform through which we could exchange informationand discuss new plans. (Traditional performing arts/Artist, creator)

As a preventative measure, I would like there to be numerical information provided by specialists that clariﬁes how many people can gather at an event, what distance there should be
between individuals, and other countermeasures. (Traditional performing arts/Artist, creator)

Times when we canʼt do what we have always done are opportunities for us to try something

new. We need ﬁnancial support for new activities and support to ﬁnd new ways of expression.
We also need to share information about presentation and creation. I hope there will be a sustainable platform for us to continue creating a chain of good ideas. (Theater, dance/Artist, creator)

Huge losses are incurred when economic, educational, cultural and other social activities arebrought to a standstill, and it is times like these that we require support from the local government. Kyoto has a wealth of globally famous cultural assets, and protecting these should be

one of the cityʼs key undertakings. …Now is the time to protect Kyotoʼs culture. We look for-ward to the cityʼs support, and will do our utmost with the support we receive. (Theater/planner,producer)11

OtherPerhaps there will be increased calls for compensation agreements among artistic, technical,
and management staﬀ who need to carry out ﬁeld work and prepare for events. (Fine Art/planner, producer)

A regular employment system that supports people continuing to work in the traditional performing arts would be great for the future. (Traditional performing arts/Educator, researcher)

When artistic activities are put to a standstill like they are now, the feeling of despair lowers
all motivation to create. An uncertain future also creates a sense of helplessness. Interest
from local communities is what supports us, so itʼd be great to have advertising and communication methods that are easy for everyone to comprehend. (Literature/Educator, researcher)

It is fantastic that the local government has taken measures to support culture and the arts
through this Emergency Incentive Grant. It makes me proud to be a citizen of Kyoto. (Lifestyleculture, national entertainment/Educator, researcher)If ballet, dance, theater, and opera events donʼt restart, even if there are performers available, the support staﬀ industry that is key to these types of events will go to ruin. (Design,architecture, fashion/Engineer)Private organizations that donʼt have legal status have almost no COVID-related support
available to them. This is something that needs to be rectiﬁed. (Film, manga, media art/planner,producer)12Thank you foryour cooperation for our survey

Contact
Kyoto city, Culture and Citizens Aﬀairs Bureau,
City of Culture and Art Promotion Oﬃce,
Culture and Art Planning Section

2F, YJK Build. 394 Shimomaruya-machi,
Kawaramachi-dori Oike-sagaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-1806
TEL : 075-366-0033
FAX : 075-213-3181
Kyoto Art Center（Kyoto Art and Culture Foundation）
TEL : 075-213-1000
E-mail: kyoto_art_support@kac.or.jp