● Supporting and Promoting the Arts in Rural Settlements of Europe

Take Art (UK)

Take Art (UK), SA Eesti Tantsuagentuur (EE), Associazione Marchigiana Attività Teatrali (IT), Fish Eye ‘Artists Group’ (LT), Shoshin Theatre (RO)

State of the art

Recent analysis show that the rural touring model reduces total emissions by a third compared to holding a single show at a town based venue. However, these studies mainly look at travel emissions and not those associated with a venue.

Description of the project

Access to the arts is as much a right for those living in rural areas as it is for urban citizens. Yet, there is an imbalance of opportunity. SPARSE assisted in addressing this unfairness. Rural touring has existed for over 30 years in many EU countries with proven models. While developing activities aiming at spreading these models in many European countries, SPREAD partners proved that rural touring diminish the environmental impact of the creative sector. As an example, SPARSE’s evaluation showed that 50% or more of the audience lives less than 5km from the village hall, with clear impact on the environmental footprints of mobility linked to participation in cultural activities. Making better and fuller use of multi-purpose venues and spaces leads to a more efficient use of buildings.

Our rural touring activity is located within the social fabric of rural communities and we contribute to keeping villages ‘alive and kicking’. Rural touring is part of the climate emergency basket of solutions.

Creative Europe’s support

Creative Europe’s funding unlocked match funds within partner countries and enabled the capacity, the staff time and funding to pilot rural touring in four partner countries. UK and Swedish rural touring models were adapted by partners allowing them to learn from each others’ experiences.

#rural space #touring #community development #venues #mobility

Beyond Environmental Sustainability

SPARSE Network is an exciting development of SPARSE. It achieves one of the aims of the project: creating a European profile raising and advocacy movement for touring in rural areas.

Contact

Creative Europe Project Results