Our 2022 - 2024 IETM Network Grant project NIPA offered members continuous search for direction, methods and new models to position their work and collaborations. This work culminated with a members wide evaluation, shared with members in 2025. The evaluation identified how members’ perceptions of IETM had evolved over the previous six years, assessed the impact of the NIPA project, and measured the relevance of IETM’s activities to members’ international work.

The findings, gathered, synthesised and shared in 2025 are now actively shaping the direction of IETM within our new 2026-2028 network project, THRIVE.   

Members described IETM as becoming more inclusive, diverse and open, as well as more globally connected. They also noted a shift away from primarily physical gatherings, with fewer in-person events each year, while the newest activities, such as the IETM schools, are maintaining and strengthening connections across the network.

Across members’ experiences, inclusivity, networking and learning emerged as the core values most strongly associated with IETM.

Looking ahead, members highlighted several key principles that will guide the network’s future direction:

• Community-based initiatives and solidarity
• Learning, experimentation and peer-to-peer knowledge sharing
• Concrete action towards environmental sustainability
• Advocacy and political engagement

This is in line with THRIVE'S key objectives, which are to contribute to the creation of a future in which the performing arts sector can truly thrive, by building skills and expertise, space for experimentation and innovative models through its events, schools and research and make favourable conditions for the sector, by influencing policy. Overall THRIVE objective is to continue making the IETM network more global, while promoting equitable, sustainable and inclusive approaches to cross-border collaborations.