For the third year in a row, participating networks have worked to implement the SHIFT Culture eco-guidelines for cultural networks, with all 17 of the participating networks achieving certification, including On the Move.
Each network has implemented the mandatory guidelines in their organisation along with some optional guidelines from the framework, participated in peer audits with their fellow participants and attended a combined development workshop online.
As part of this eco-certification, On the Move has developed a Green Annual Report and the On the Move Environmental Sustainability Policy.
The guidelines implemented through the eco-certificate were developed and designed specifically for and by network organisations through the SHIFT project. These organisations tend to be small in size but large in terms of influence, with most of their environmental impact stemming from travel.
Through the eco-certification scheme, networks receive external audits from Vector42 in their first and second year of participation and alternate years thereafter. In the years where no external audit is given networks carry out self-review and a peer audit with their buddy in order to maintain their certification. This approach keeps peer leadership and accountability at the heart of the scheme and builds connections between networks to enable bolder action.
A significant feature of the workshop in autumn 2025 was sharing best practice that participants had developed and implemented through being part of the SHIFT Culture community. Participants also finalised the review of the eco-guidelines ready for their implementation from 2026 onwards.
The project has now reached the end of the pilot project and 2026 marks a transition year. From 2027 there will be a new coordinator.
As Caro Overy, Green Arts Manager, Culture for Climate Scotland says:
We want to wholeheartedly congratulate the SHIFT Culture community for their achievements in implementing green practice, positioning themselves at the forefront of sustainable change in European cultural work over the past three years, and thank them for the opportunity to be part of it. We look forward to seeing what the next phase brings and wish all in the SHIFT Culture community great success.
This year’s SHIFT eco-certified cultural network organisations:
- AEC (Association Européenne des Conservatoires)
- Aerowaves
- ASSITEJ International (International Association of Theatre & Performing Arts for Children & Young People)
- CIRCOSTRADA (European Network for contemporary circus and outdoor arts)
- Culture Action Europe
- ECHO (European Concert Halls Organisation)
- EDN (European Dance Development Network)
- EJN (Europe Jazz Network)
- ELIA (Globally connected European network for higher arts education)
- EMC (European Music Council)
- ENCATC (European network on cultural management and policy)
- IETM (International network for contemporary performing arts)
- Live DMA
- NEMO (Network of European Museum Organisations)
- On the Move
- Opera Europa
- REMA (European Early Music Network)
