Follow-up report on the workshop "Professionalization of sustainability in art and culture" at the climate focus weekend of the Pfalztheater Kaiserslautern
The Pfalztheater Kaiserslautern hosted a climate focus weekend on May 4 and 5, 2024, which included the climate-neutral production of "Moby Dick". This production, funded by the Federal Cultural Foundation's "Zero - Climate-neutral art and culture projects" program and the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media, addresses the exploitation of natural resources and reflects social responsibility. The Chair of Sustainability Management was a guest with the "Open Digitalization Alliance Palatinate" and introduced the topic of sustainability to the cultural sector through a panel discussion and a workshop. Prof. Dr. Katharina Spraul discussed the central challenges of ecological and social sustainability in the cultural sector. In the subsequent workshop, around 10 participants worked in groups to develop strategies on topics such as digitalization, resource conservation and structural challenges in theaters, with the aim of anchoring sustainability in the cultural sector in the long term.
On the podium: "Science meets art meets philosophy"
The workshop began after a panel discussion entitled "Science meets Arts meets Philosophy", in which Prof. Dr. Katharina Spraul, an expert in sustainability management, and Jan Deubig, Managing Director of ZAK, discussed the challenges and opportunities of sustainability in the cultural sector. Under the moderation of Johannes Beckmann, Artistic Director of the Pfalztheater, not only theoretical approaches were discussed, but also practical topics such as social sustainability and mobility in theater operations.
After a lunch break, the actual workshop began in the middle foyer of the theater. The participants were divided into two groups and worked on various issues relating to sustainability and digitalization in the theater in the form of a world café.
Topics and results developed
Digitalization and sustainability transformation
A short video by Dr. Cynthia Loos on the topic of sustainability management in companies served as an impulse for the following group phases.
A central point of discussion was the potential of digitalization to support sustainable transformations. The various areas of application of digital technologies in the cultural sector were highlighted. Participating orchestral musicians in particular discussed examples such as the use of digital sheet music (tablets) instead of printed paper scores, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of the material consumption of digital resources. There was a consensus that digitalization should not be an end in itself; it must be used in a targeted and meaningful way in order to achieve a real sustainability effect. The participants also discussed how digital innovations could serve as a driver for a more sustainable transformation in cultural institutions.
Resource awareness and use of materials
The workshop participants also talked about the limited resources in the cultural sector and the need for a more conscious use of materials. One idea was to make decisions on the use of resources transparent and to make the audience more responsible. For example, it was suggested that performances should be designed that focus on the reuse of materials and that audiences should be made aware of the need to conserve resources. In the cultural sector in particular, the balancing act between artistic freedom and ecological requirements is a challenge that calls for creative solutions.
Structural challenges in the theater
Another round of discussions focused on the structural characteristics of theaters and cultural institutions. High staff turnover and changing management structures make long-term sustainability strategies difficult. Nevertheless, the potential of "transformation managers" was highlighted, who could anchor sustainability as an integral part of the cultural sector. New working models, such as working from home and flexible mobility solutions, could play an important role, particularly in the context of digitalization.
Social sustainability and community
An important aspect of the workshop was social sustainability, which in the cultural sector can be extended not only to employees but also to the audience. Participants talked about theater as a "community phenomenon" and the possibility of using cultural events to promote social sustainability and awareness of shared values. The educational mission of theater was also discussed as a means of social sustainability and inclusion of target groups.
Conclusion and outlook
At the end of the workshop, the results were presented in a plenary session. The participants were able to highlight their most important findings once again. The lively exchange resulted in concrete ideas on how sustainability management could be better anchored in theaters, taking into account both ecological and social dimensions. The workshop provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the cultural sector on the way to a more sustainable future.
The workshop made it clear that digitalization and sustainability can go hand in hand if they are used in a targeted manner. In the sense of a "twin transformation", both technological and sustainable innovations should be brought together in order to strengthen the cultural sector in the long term.
