This paper aims to discuss the results of a series of surveys launched by the Professional Association of Conservators-Restorers of Portugal (ARP) in order to gauge the implications of the State of Emergency – which was in force in Portugal between 18th March and 2nd May 2020 due to the pandemic caused by COVID-19 – for the Conservation and Restoration sector.
Surveys conducted by the Association of Conservators-Restorers of Portugal revealed that the sector faced challenges during the pandemic, with limited government support. The majority of businesses in the sector are micro-enterprises with low revenues, predominantly providing services. The workforce is primarily female, and a significant number of individuals are considering changing professions due to the pandemic’s effects.
During the State of Emergency in Portugal from March to May 2020 and again from November 2020 to April 2021, the sector experienced unprecedented restrictions and economic impacts. Only a quarter of businesses maintained their activities without changes, while the majority did not utilise government support measures. Among the support measures, the most popular was the VAT payment instalment plan, with 12.5% of respondents opting for it.
The surveys aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the Conservation and Restoration sector in Portugal, highlighting its fragility and the prevalence of precarious labour conditions. The lack of specific codes for identifying Conservation and Restoration activities poses challenges for statistical analysis.
