First European Commission Study on the Theater Sector in Europe Published

The study was planned in the annual work program 2020 for the implementation of the program “Creative Europe” as a core element of the New European Theatre Initiative for sectoral support of the theater and performing arts sector. The results are now available. The intention is to improve support for the theater sector at the EU level. Based on quantitative and qualitative data collection, the study undertakes a first comprehensive mapping of the socio-economic profile and impact of the theater sector in the EU. It highlights the diversity of the sector and the differences between actors in terms of their business models, funding/ownership structures and program systems. In addition to collecting socio-economic data, the study also addresses the initial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and provides a detailed analysis of the support systems available to the theater sector in the countries of the European Union. The study also addresses aspects such as training of theater professionals, gender balance, sustainability, and accessibility within the sector.
One of the core recommendations of the study is the establishment of the European Theatre Forum, thereby fostering regular and structured dialogue between member states, European institutions, theater and performing arts associations, and civil society. The first European Theatre Forum 2020 in Dresden was co-organized by the ITI and resulted in the Dresden Declaration. The European Theatre Forum and the Dresden Declaration flank the study as key elements of the New European Theatre Initiative.

Study (99 pages)
Executive summary (10 pages)

Culture in the EU’s National Recovery and Resilience Plans

14 countries out of 261 – 53% of the total – have included culture in their
NRRPs. The analysis stemming from this overview proves that at least 2% in the EU26 – i.e., around 12 billion euros – has been mobilised for culture.

In a public online event on December 9th, Culture Action Europe presented an overview of the place of culture in the National  Recovery and Resilience Plans (NRRPs) of the Member States of the European Union. The publication is a part of the #CulturalDealEU campaign and backed by the European Parliament, to specifically earmark at the very least 2% of each NRRP for culture. Roughly half of the remaining Member States have not featured any specific interventions for culture in their NRRPs. Several of them, from Germany to Sweden, from Luxembourg to Denmark, have nonetheless put forward national schemes to sustain the cultural and creative sectors. 

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#CulturalDealEU

The #CulturalDealEU campaign calls heads of states and governments of the EU Member States to devote at least 2% of their National Resilience and Recovery Plans (NRRPs) to culture and show due evidence for cultural and European relevance. 
#CulturalDealEU is jointly developed by Culture Action EuropeEuropean Cultural Foundation, and Europa Nostra (representing the European Cultural Alliance). By bundling together both short and long term objectives, a joint statement envisions as a roadmap towards a more balanced, more comprehensive, and more inclusive European development model.

Support the #CulturalDealEU now by endorsing it!

GALA Funding and Resources Guide

The second edition is the updated version of the guide first produced in 2015 within the scope of the EU funded project, Green Art Lab Alliance (GALA). It has been coordinated by On the Move. The Guide, focussed mostly on Europe with some international references, gives information on funding for arts and culture projects related to environmental sustainability (support schemes, transnational supports, European projects, residencies, festivals etc.) and on sources of inspiration for more responsible action.

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Study “Cultural and creative sectors in postCOVID-19 Europe”

The EP Culture Committe has published a study by IDEA Consult, Goethe-Institut, Inforelais and Values of Culture&Creativity on Covid19 crisis effects on the cultural and creative sectors (CCS) as well as the policy responses that are  formulated to support the sectors. The already fragile organisational structures and working practices are hit by a chain of effects, severely impacting the economic and social situation in the CCS, especially the venue- and visitor-based sub-sectors such as the performing arts and heritage. Since policy support focuses on emergency measures, not (yet) on relaunch and innovation the study proposes three flagship measures: 1) Fair working system, 2) European digital culture frameworks and 3) taking CCS as integral part of innovative and cohesive societies.

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#CulturalDealEU

While the policy-makers are currently concerned with mapping out the road towards Europe’s sustainable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, the European cultural community urges them to include culture as a key component in this process – and beyond. Culture Action Europe, European Cultural Foundation, and Europa Nostra (representing the European Cultural Alliance) jointly proposed a Cultural Deal for Europe framework. This overarching strategy aims at placing culture at the center of the European project and mainstreaming it across all policy fields: from the green transition to Europe’s geopolitical ambition and from the digital shift to a value-driven Union.

What does the Cultural Deal for Europe propose?

  • Devoting at least 2% of the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) for culture. 
  • All national recovery and resilience plans must show due evidence of cultural and European relevance.
  • Full inclusion of culture in the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and the European Green Deal.
  • Make sure funding for culture is mainstreamed into other relevant EU programmes and actions.
  • Relevant and timely support to cultural workers.

Joint Statement

Campaign website