Outdoor Arts Italia ETS is actively promoting an exploratory meeting aimed at European "Middle Organizations" within the Circostrada Network. The primary goal is to foster an open space for listening and understanding whether there is a common ground of needs and challenges that we, as intermediate organizations, can address through coordinated actions, both within and potentially outside the Circostrada network.
As Middle Organizations, our core identity is built on principles of impartiality and a network-driven approach. We act as facilitators and promoters of virtuous processes, connecting artists, companies, festival organizers and institutions, rather than directly engaging as market producers or distributors. Our strength lies in our ability to create connections and synergies among various sector actors, promoting a collaborative and participatory approach. We aim to ensure the artistic, social, historical, cultural, educational, economic and touristic value of performative arts in public spaces is recognized.
A crucial aspect of our discussion will be the evolving identity and recognition of European Middle Organizations. It is vital to reflect on how we are currently perceived by institutions and key market players, such as producers and programmers, within the performing arts production and distribution chain. The lack of autonomous recognition for outdoor arts, defined not as a discipline, but as a context for artistic expression and exploration, represents a systemic fragility that hinders the emergence of a significant economic portion of artistic production and weakens the national capacities to effectively penetrate the international scene. We believe that strengthening our collective impact is vital for the sustainable growth of the outdoor arts sector across Europe.
Beyond recognition, this discussion could delve into critical themes impacting our shared mission, including:
- Operational models and data strategies
Exploring current tools, types of data collected and strategies for greater data interoperability and coordination of actions for sector promotion and the sharing of best practices. The potential for data-driven cultural policies will also be considered. - Sustainability and resource generation
Collectively exploring ways to generate new, sustainable resources beyond a predominant reliance on project-based funding, perhaps through diversified service offerings or strategic partnerships. - Quality of participation
Discussing effective strategies for fostering authentic, deeper engagement with our members that aligns with shared statutory goals. - Shared challenges and opportunities
Identifying common problems, risks, and good practices in the current landscape of outdoor arts development. This includes supporting the creation of new works, mentoring emerging companies and facilitating access to touring opportunities and residency networks. - Advocacy needs
We will discuss how to collectively represent our sector's needs to institutions and promote the recognition of Outdoor Arts as a full-fledged cultural sector, advocating for more adequate regulatory and economic support frameworks. This discussion will aim to better inform and energize Circostrada's advocacy mission, especially with the renewed vigor brought by its new coordinator, Alice Brunot. - Promoting innovation and internationalization
Incentivizing and supporting projects with strong innovative and international characteristics, fostering generational renewal, and promoting Italian productions globally. This also includes the creation of new professional figures to strengthen the production chain and enhance international competitiveness.
Should this initial informal exchange reveal a commonality of needs, it could pave the way for possible joint projects or coordinated actions in the future. Themes and points are not intended as a predefined path. Instead, they serve as initial playing cards laid on the table to facilitate the beginning of this exchange. The aim in this first meeting is to identify a minimum commonality of needs that can lend meaning and strength to the proposal of embarking on a collaborative journey. The FiraTàrrega gathering is designed as a moment for open dialogue to contribute 'other cards' to this shared table, allowing us to collectively build a deck of insights and priorities, which will then inform the preparation of future discussions and define concrete objectives.
The kickoff meeting will take place on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at 5:30 PM, in a private room kindly reserved for us by FiraTàrrega. We will meet at 5:15 PM in front of the Outdoor Arts Italia stand at La Llotja, and then move together to the reserved space. The meeting is expected to last around 60 minutes, allowing everyone to be ready in time for the official opening of FiraTàrrega at 7:00 PM.