Athens artists protest, seek government support

Dozens of artists and employees working in the cultural sector, many wearing protective masks, protested outside the Greek Parliament Thursday saying the government has not done enough to help support them during the coronavirus crisis.

Theatres, cinemas and museums have been shut since before mid-March as part of the government's efforts to limit the spread of the new virus.

Associations representing musicians, artists and performers want the government to expand income schemes as they stand to face an abbreviated cultural season because of the pandemic.

Cultural venues will also operate with fewer attendees.

Culture Minister Lina Mendoni has said seating changes will be introduced at the ancient theaters of Epidaurus in southern Greece and Herodes Atticus in Athens, where open-air concerts and performances are held each summer.