The Cultural Front: What criteria did Boombox and Bez Obmezheniyas use to obtain critical status?
18 March 15:43
The Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine has officially recognized the music bands Bez Obmezhen and Boombox as critical to the functioning of the economy and the livelihoods of the population during the special period, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
The decision was enshrined in the relevant orders of March 11, which concerns the companies Bez Obmezhen LLC (representing the rock band Bez Obmezhen) and Musy dlia Mas (representing the band Boombox).
These music groups have joined the already impressive list of organizations that have been granted critical status by the Ministry of Culture. Previously, numerous media companies, football clubs, circuses, ensembles, orchestras, etc. have been granted this status.
Who can receive the status of a critical enterprise
The critical enterprise status can be granted to companies that meet at least three criteria, two of which are mandatory
- the average salary of employees is at least UAH 20,000;
- no tax and unified social contribution arrears.
Obviously, these two criteria are met by these groups.
As for the third criterion, the company may choose one of the following:
- payment of taxes and duties in excess of EUR 1.5 million per year (equivalent in hryvnia);
- foreign exchange earnings of more than EUR 32 million per year (excluding loans and credits);
- strategic importance for the economy and security of the state (defined by the government list, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 83 of 04.03.2015);
- importance for a particular sector of the economy or a territorial community (criteria are determined by the relevant government agencies, CAAs);
- resident status of Diia.City;
- supply of electronic communication services with a certain level of income.
Out of these criteria, the criterion of “importance for a particular sector of the economy or territorial community” was applied to these groups. The Ministry of Culture has a specialized criterion for such groups:
business entities operating in the field of culture and creative industries and which have implemented at least 2 projects for the creation, representation, promotion and marketing of national cultural and creative products in Ukraine and/or abroad during the previous calendar year
How to get the status of a critical enterprise
- Identify the relevant authority (Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Digital Transformation, Ministry of Agriculture, etc.)
- Prepare and submit documents (financial statements, certificates of salary and tax discipline).
- Submit an application to the relevant authority and wait for a decision (up to 10 business days).
- Receive official confirmation.
Currently, the Boombox band is conducting a foreign tour called the Drone Tour, where they are raising funds to purchase drones for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Bez Obmezhennya continues its charity tour of Ukraine, Strong Hearts, and in October plans to go on a large-scale North America Tour 2025, which will cover cities in the United States and Canada.
