Summary
This research article examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the productivity of public cultural institutions, specifically focusing on theatres in Poland. It investigates changes in productivity during the pandemic period and identifies the technological factors that influenced these changes. The study employs the Malmquist index to analyze productivity variations from 2011 to 2020, hypothesizing that technological change was a significant determinant of productivity levels in 2020. The article outlines the challenges faced by Performing Arts Organizations (PAOs) during the pandemic, including significant revenue losses, the need for new income sources, and the transition to online activities. It also discusses the necessity for coordinated actions to enhance productivity and the varying impacts of digital technologies on different organizations. The paper is structured to first analyze the efficiency of public cultural institutions, followed by data and empirical approaches, estimates, and a summary of findings, contributing to the understanding of productivity in the cultural sector during crises.
