Promoting sustainability

The BFDK is calling for consistent and long-term support in the transformation to a more sustainable cultural sector.

Shaping cultural change through an intersectional lens

Those involved in the independent performing arts and independent music ensembles provide impetus, open up new perspectives and take the lead on future-focused issues. They also make a significant contribution to cultural diversity and inclusion in society. However, the reality of their work is often characterised by project-based structures, limited time resources, precarious financial conditions and fragmented employment histories. These framework conditions make it difficult not only to act in an environmentally sustainable manner, but also to ensure social security, diversity and inclusion. Counteracting this requires targeted support from (cultural) policy and funding institutions.

Sustainability needs reliable funding

Sustainable production in particular requires funding instruments that are geared towards continuity. Sustainable funding policies are characterised by a resilient infrastructure, a low-threshold and open transfer of knowledge and reliable collaboration. Such funding policies create planning security, promote the development of a circular economy and facilitate the realisation of social and environmental sustainability goals.

The transformation to a more sustainable cultural sector requires additional financial resources, as the budgets for art and culture are already under considerable strain. Furthermore, it must be understood as an integral funding requirement and taken into account accordingly in the organisation.

Recommendations for structurally embedding environmental and social sustainability in the cultural sector

1. Enable sustainable production processes through structural measures

• In order to enable a structural change in environmental transformation processes and investments, funding measures and process-related funding, such as revivals, are required over the course of several years. These strengthen reliable partnerships, sustainable production methods and artistic employment histories.
• Funding institutions are called upon to reduce bureaucratic hurdles, promote the importance of environmental and social sustainability and support the implementation of sustainability measures through targeted incentives such as advice and customised funding instruments.

2. Strengthen and legally secure sustainable infrastructure

• The legal framework for sustainable practices such as the rental and transfer of equipment and materials must be clarified. Politics and administration are called upon to integrate these into the development and implementation of strategies for the circular economy in order to establish sustainable operating models.
• Strategically orientated and institutionally secured funding is needed for the digital collection and coordinated reuse of reusable materials.

3. Offer qualification and further training

• Stakeholders need practical training on sustainable production processes – from material procurement and disposal and the legal basis for material and equipment hire to environmentally friendly scenography and costume design. In addition, counselling and coaching services should support the implementation and consolidation of sustainable practices.
• The offering of further training courses on sustainable transformation management should be significantly expanded and made more accessible through targeted support measures – especially for solo freelancers.

4. Promote research and development

• Systematic support for research into environmentally friendly materials and alternative production methods in the independent performing arts and independent music ensembles, as well as environmental operating models in cultural institutions, is essential for developing sustainable approaches and reducing the environmental footprint.

Sustainable, equitable, and effective production is only possible through focused and long-term support. To achieve this, holistic sustainability must be embedded as a binding standard in cultural funding.