Lost in transition?

Context-Based Environmental Actions In The Performing Arts

On 28-30 November, IETM headed to Luxembourg for the very first time. Hosted by the Arts Council of Luxembourg, IETM's second ever Focus meeting addressed the one topic we all have to face -  the climate crisis. Although the cultural sector is far from being the one that has the most impact on the environment, each and every one of us has to face reality and deal with it.

This second edition of the Focus meeting was the final event in IETM’s first year of environmental transitioning, and brought members and professional guests together for a joint brainstorm. Participants benefited from the targeted programmes and accumulated knowledge gathered by the network through all its activities in 2023 and worked towards co-creating an eco charter for the entire network.

When it comes to the climate crisis, Luxembourg has a story to tell. The example from a country the size of Luxembourg proves that even the smallest carries a big burden when it comes to the environment, and we must - and can - act now.

Luxembourg summarises both the challenges and their solutions. While ranking among the top worst countries regarding ecological footprint per capita, the country is radically preparing for change, and can also be found among the top-ranking countries in the environmental performance index. Measures such as international consultations on green transition or free public transportation throughout the country are putting Luxembourg at the top for environmental change.

Under the title Lost in transition?, IETM and Kultur | lx – Arts Council Luxembourg tackled the tough and challenging questions that have emerged from our first year of environmental transition. With a specific approach, considering everyone’s context to focus on our values and what is reasonably doable, we attempted to make a valuable contribution for the greener performing arts ecosystem we dream of.

In typical Focus format, we offered time to meet new faces, network, catch up with old friends and colleagues and time to discover the unique performing arts scene in Luxembourg. 

The IETM Focus Luxembourg 2023 happened as part of our Creative Europe project The New International in the Performing Arts (NIPA): Bridging local and global.