Following a successful application submitted under the EC Culture Programme in 2010, for the period 2011-2013 On the Move is supported by an operational grant from the European Commission. The On the Move network has established a strategic plan 2011-2013 focusing on three priority activities: information provision, advocacy for a sustainable and responsible cultural mobility, and strengthening of its network. In line with its strategic plan, OTM constantly implements and improve its information service about cultural mobility and related issues (mainly through this website); and works on a Charter for sustainable and responsible cultural mobility together with its members.
History
On the Move was set up by IETM, by then named the Informal European Theatre Meeting, nowadays designated as International Network for Contemporary Performing Arts.
In 2001, the European Cultural Foundation (Netherlands), funded a feasibility study undertaken by IETM in collaboration with Relais-Culture-Europe (France), with advice from the Lasipalatsi - Film and Media Centre (Finland).
This study allowed the conception and construction of a pilot portal by partners in the Netherlands, Belgium and Portugal. The “pilot” attracted development funding in 2003 from the European Commission, the European Cultural Foundation and the Dutch Fund for Performing Arts (Fonds Podiumkunsten).
The pilot site was developed by Rudy Engelander and Tela Leão, Contexto Intercultural Lda, Portugal and designed by Tallieu & Tallieu nv. Since July 2002 on the move has been accessible to performing arts professionals.
During 2003, under site manager Tela Leão, the pilot site was technically improved, a German version was added and the scope broadened by including sites relevant for music professionals. The revised and improved version of On the Move was made accessible to the public in December 2003.
During 2004, the site continued to expand and appointed Judith Staines as General Editor. In December 2004, on the move established itself as an international non-profit association constituted under Belgian law (aisbl: association internationale sans but lucratif). Judith Staines has been General Editor/Executive Director of On the Move from 2004 to 2009.
From 2007 - 2009, On the Move developed a partnership network of Connectors who provided expertise, content and knowledge in the fields of online information and the performing arts. Connectors were:
- Centro Dramático de Aragón
- Dance Info Finland
- Finnish Theatre Information Centre (TINFO)
- Goethe-Institut Brussels
- Irish Theatre Institute
- Miso Music Portugal/Portuguese Music Information Centre
- Open Society Institute Arts and Culture Program
- Pisa-Papéis
- Russian Theatre Life in Brief
- Zbigniew Raszewski Theatre Institute
In 2009 the network was expanded to become On the Move - network for cultural mobility information with over 30 members in over 20 countries in Europe and beyond.
