Members have for some time discussed ways of making both the network activities more sustainable as well as the management of their own centres. Several things have already been implemented such as only vegetarian catering during meetings, a sustainability checklist for hosts of meetings but quite a lot remains to be done.
The Trans Europe Halles Think Tank on Sustainability consists of some of the most active drivers for a sustainable development in TEH, namely Sigrid Niemer (
ufa-Fabrik, Germany), Camille Dumas (
Mains d’ Oeuvres, France), René Penning (
Kulturfabrik, Luxemburg), Auro Foxcroft (
Village Underground, UK) and Peter Lényi (
Stanica, Slovakia). The Think Tank supported by the Secretary General Birgitta Persson met for the first time outside the TEH meetings on the 21-22nd February at Mains D’ Oeuvres in Paris to discuss strategies and actions for the coming years.
So what does sustainability mean to the network? The Think Tank suggests that: ”Sustainability is a way of thinking on how to improve the living environment and well being of citizens and communities driven by the development of cultural vitality, social equity, environmental sustainability and economic prosperity. This development is a constant learning process based on the richness and diversity of the member centres of TEH, rooted in their local environment with a global perspective. As a network of independent cultural centres we encourage and promote the active role of arts and culture as a contribution to influence and inspire a change for a sustainable societies.”
One of the most important actions suggested by the Think Tank is to inspire the members to change habits and try new approaches by sharing best practices. Tools for shifting into a more sustainability management like the Inventory scheme made by Kulturfabrik (Esch sur Alzette, Luxembourg), is soon available on
The Resource in both French and English and more exciting and useful tools and tips are in the pipeline.