International network for contemporary performing arts
The European Commission’s response to the resolution of the European Parliament on the EU framework for the social and professional situation of artists
We applaud the current Commission for prioritising the improvement of working conditions in the cultural and creative sectors (CCSs). We see a timely opportunity to address this matter comprehensively by developing a new strategic framework for culture and integrating social conditionality thoughtfully into the EU's future funding programmes. To sustain Europe's vibrant and diverse cultural sectors, we advocate for well-informed, bold, and innovative measures. The European Parliament called for the establishment of a European framework for artists’ working conditions through two own-initiative reports by its Members issued in 2020 and 2021, as well as in the resolution adopted by the Parliament in November 2023. Earlier this year, the European Commission sent its response to the Parliament's resolution. We welcome the current Commission's intention to maintain the issue of working conditions in CCSs as part of its agenda. Particularly, we stress the importance of: 1. Reinforcing the social conditionality in the next cycle of Union programmes The European Commission emphasised that it ‘will consider reinforcing the social conditionality in the next cycle of Union programmes’. The groundwork for transitioning the EU’s funding programmes for culture towards social conditionality should start promptly, well in advance of the onset of negotiations for the new Multiannual Financial Framework. These preparatory activities may encompass research initiatives, pilot projects within the EU to assess fair remuneration and innovative social conditionality models, pan-European sectoral dialogues, and awareness-raising initiatives like conferences and workshops. Leveraging existing cross-border initiatives aimed at promoting fair practices in transnational contexts, such as Perform Europe, alongside some Creative Europe platforms and projects, can offer valuable insights and guidance during this preparatory phase. 2. Undertaking an inclusive process of shaping the new strategic framework for culture We support the Commission's intention to incorporate the issue of working conditions in CCSs into the development of the new strategic framework for culture. This topic has been absent from the New European Agenda for Culture. We urge the Commission to ensure that the design of the new strategic framework for culture is as open and inclusive as possible, involving extensive consultation with a diverse array of cultural sector stakeholders who represent the interests of CCSs at the EU level.
IETM – International network for contemporary performing arts is one of the oldest and largest international cultural networks, representing the voice of over 500 performing arts organisations and individual professionals working in the contemporary performing arts worldwide. Their mission is to advocate the value of the arts and culture and empower performing arts professionals through access to international connections, knowledge and a dynamic forum for exchange. They also work to stimulate the quality, development and context of the contemporary performing arts, in all their diversity. Circostrada is the European Network for Contemporary Circus and Outdoor Arts. It was created in 2003 and comprises over 155 members from more than 45 countries. Its core mission is to further the development, empowerment, and recognition of these fields at European and international level. Circostrada supports contemporary circus and outdoor arts professionals by implementing a wide range of capacity-building initiatives, encouraging professional exchange, gathering information and resources, as well as fostering continuous training, innovation and knowledge sharing. European Dance Development Network – EDN, established as a legal association of dancehouses in 2009, is a network of dance development organisations based in Europe working towards a sustainable, progressive and equitable dance sector. In 2024, EDN counts 52 member organisations in 28 European countries. It advocates for better working conditions in contemporary dance, raises awareness about the relevance of dance for societies, and co-creates occasions for sharing and exchange by organising workshops, meetings and trainings designed by and for dance sector professionals. The European Festivals Association (EFA) is a community dedicated to the arts, the artists and the audiences. EFA’s main role is to connect festival makers to inform, inspire and enrich the festival landscape in Europe and beyond. In this perspective, EFA is a festivals’ service and a knowledge and training provider, developing a WE-story of people and organisations, bridging the distance between festivals and all kinds of stakeholders around festival making.
