European project CoRES addresses green transition in the cultural sector

The European project CoRES (Creativity, Resilience, Environment, Sustainability) has concluded a research phase aimed at identifying barriers to a green transition within the cultural and creative industries. Led by the organization AKTI in Cyprus, in collaboration with RUNONART in Greece and Studio 18 in Malta, the project engaged 177 cultural and environmental professionals, including young creators aged 18 to 30. Activities were conducted through participatory workshops held in Amargeti, Paphos, Valletta, and Athens.

Participants identified critical structural obstacles preventing sustainable practices. Key findings include insufficient funding, bureaucratic hurdles, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to sustainable materials. In Cyprus, the challenges are compounded by a lack of critical mass and cultural mindsets, while in Malta, creators face significant financial instability and a reliance on unpaid volunteer work. Despite a strong willingness among artists to adopt eco-friendly methods, the project highlights that the current environment fails to provide the necessary support structures to implement these changes effectively.

The project explores policy recommendations related to climate and gender mainstreaming within the creative sector. By co-designing solutions with industry stakeholders, CoRES aims to create a more resilient and inclusive cultural landscape, though specific upcoming legislative actions or phase-two deadlines were not detailed in the reports.