The FAIR Working Group is a collaborative platform within the European Dance Development Network (EDN) that brings together members, partners and experts to explore and advance fair and sustainable working conditions for dance artists and professionals across Europe.

Through shared inquiry and collective exchange, the FAIR Working Group investigates models, practices and policy approaches that support more equitable career pathways, better labour conditions, and fair treatment in the contemporary dance ecosystem.

Focus and Mission

The FAIR Working Group engages EDN members and their collaborators around key questions such as:

Career sustainability: What models can support stable and dignified careers for artists, administrators and independent professionals?

Working conditions and labour practices: How can contracts, pay structures and working relationships be made more transparent, equitable and sustainable?

Cross-sector learning and experimentation: What can we learn from other cultural sectors, regions and fields regarding fair practice frameworks?

Collective advocacy: How can the dance sector advance shared values and policy priorities around decent work, social protection and fair treatment?

Meetings and Events

The working group gathers in monthly online coordination meetings and hosts yearly onsite Atelier Workshops, an ongoing Exchange Programme, a Sector Consultation (2027) and a dedicated Online Conference (2027). The meetings are open to EDN members, who are welcome to extend the invitation to their partners, colleagues and associates.

EDN Atelier "Who Do You Stand For?" (2026)

The FAIR Working Group's first EDN Atelier "Who Do You Stand For?" runs 16–18 November 2026 in Budapest, hosted by SÍN Arts Centre and Trafó House of Contemporary Arts. It explores representation and accountability in the sector, from collective leadership to participatory governance. Registration closes 17 September 2026.

The FAIR Working Group is part of Embodied Transformations, EDN’s EU-funded network project. It connects contemporary dance professionals, organisations, and communities across Europe to foster a transformative and interdependent dance ecosystem.