How can you develop sustainable business models in the cultural/creative industries
Εleusis21 participated in a work meeting regarding the development of sustainable business models in the cultural/creative industries held in the framework of the European program “Creative Lenses: Business Models for Culture”. The “Creative Lenses” is a 4-year cooperation project funded by the program “Creative Europe” with key partners the European networks Trans Europe Halles and IETM, the Univesity of Arts London universities, the University of Basilicata (IT) and 13 cultural centers from various European countries.
The European project “Creative Lenses: Business Models for Culture” aims to develop and strengthen the operational capacity and sustainability of cultural and artistic organizations in Europe.
In this framework and after the invitation we received from the cultural centre “Tannery” – a member of THE, Kelly Diapouli from the team of Elefsina21 coordinated a workshop held in Athens where 12 Greek cultural organizations participated, among them ” Elefsina21 “and ” Aisxylia Festival. During the workshop, participants were invited through questionnaires to identify the strengths and weaknesses, challenges and prospects, thus making the first step in developing a strategic plan for the next years.
The participants had the opportunity to exchange views on the factors contributing to their development as well as on obstacles/ challenges, identify useful practices, common problems and solutions, explore funding opportunities, network with organizations for joint proposals, inform themselves of relevant practices and policies in other European countries, convey their views to policy makers.
Since the Greek cultural sector is experiencing a particularly pressing reality the last years and artists and professionals are trying to survive in an environment that is lacking of support, the practices invented in order to exist and continue to exist could be the subject of reflection and study for Europe. The project’s results will be used by national, regional operators, but also by the European Commission, which supports program. The results will be evaluated by national and regional operators, as well as by the European Commission, which supports the project.
