By  the A.M. Costa Rica staff

This weekend’s 24 hour, Telethon for the Culture fundraising project, raised $35,146 to help artists and entertainment workers economically affected by the pandemic.

According to the organizers, the 13 hours of nonstop shows from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m featured more than 50 national artists in the Auditorium of the Children's Museum.

"We are highly gratified to have reached that amount, in the midst of a difficult economic situation in the country," said Wilmer Saborío Amores, representative of Telethon.

The organization announced last week that affected artists and culture workers had already registered on the list of beneficiaries of funds to be raised with the donation campaign.

Artists who wish to receive the donation must register before June 5 in the online form on the Ministry of Culture site.

"Telethon for Culture" was created by artists to raise resources to meet the basic needs of people from the same sector who have seen their income affected by the pandemic," said Christian Reyes, president of Telethon.

The money raised in Telethon will go to the National Emergency Fund, which will send aid to the beneficiaries among actors, dancers, musicians, comedians, makeup artists, sound engineers, lighting technicians, stage assistants, equipment assemblers and stage designers, among other members of the artistic sector.

According to statistics from the National Institute of Statistics and Census, there are more than 4,000 people in poverty or extreme poverty whose careers specialize in art and culture in the country. "Precisely this sector of the population that suffered from the suspension of artistic activities," said Reyes.

The situation of many artists and cultural workers is urgent, practically 100% of their sources of income are suspended or canceled. They are part of the sectors most radically affected by the pandemic, said the Ministry of Culture in its statement.

Organizers confirmed that the donation collection platforms will remain open until Friday, June 5. People can help artists by making donations of either $3 or $9. Contributions will be received via text message by dialing 2031 to donate $3 or 2030 to donate $9.





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Should the Ministry of Culture use the budget intended for festivals and cultural activities, now cancelled due to the pandemic and donate it to unemployed artists? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com

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