European cultural networks are continuing to step up for the climate. For the third year running, 17 networks have achieved the SHIFT Culture Eco-Certificate, showing what’s possible when sustainability becomes a shared commitment.

Created by and for cultural networks, the SHIFT Culture eco-guidelines support organisations to make meaningful changes in how they work: from travel and events to governance, operations and everyday decision-making. Certification combines self-reflection, peer learning, and external audits by sustainability experts at Vector42, keeping the process practical, transparent, and grounded in real working conditions.

Networks came together in a peer-learning workshop in autumn 2025 to share experiences, tackle common challenges and help shape the updated guidelines that come into effect from 2026 onwards. This moment also closed the pilot phase of SHIFT Culture and opened the door to its next stage of development.

Congratulations to all the fellow networks involved, whose commitment continues to demonstrate how collective action can drive real change across Europe’s cultural sector.

SHIFT Culture eco-certified networks

• European Association of Conservatoires (AEC)
• Aerowaves
• International Association of Theatre for Children and Young People (ASSITEJ International)
• Circostrada – European Network for Contemporary Circus and Outdoor Arts
• Culture Action Europe
• European Concert Hall Organisation (ECHO)
• European Dance Development Network (EDN)
• Europe Jazz Network (EJN)
• European League of Institutes of the Arts (ELIA)
• European Music Council (EMC)
• European Network on Cultural Management and Policy (ENCATC)
• International Network for Contemporary Performing Arts (IETM)
• Live DMA – European Network for Live Music Venues, Clubs and Festivals
• Network of European Museum Organisations (NEMO)
• On the Move (network for mobility in the cultural sector)
• Opera Europa
• European Early Music Network (REMA)

EDN’s Green Commitments

As a SHIFT Culture eco-certified network, the European Dance Development Network (EDN) continues to place sustainability at the heart of our work.

International exchange and mobility are central to dance, and they come with environmental challenges. EDN actively reflects on how to reduce its impact while maintaining strong artistic connections across Europe. Through the SHIFT eco-certification process, EDN has implemented shared guidelines, taken part in peer audits, and committed to continuous learning and improvement.

EDN’s environmental approach includes:

• Making more considered travel choices
• Reducing energy use, waste and unsustainable procurement
• Developing responsible digital practices
• Embedding sustainability into internal processes and long-term planning

Alongside this work, EDN collaborates with Aerowaves and Versopolis on the Responsible Digital Practices webinar series, exploring how digital tools can support accessibility and collaboration while limiting environmental impact.

What’s Next for SHIFT Culture?

With the pilot phase complete, SHIFT Culture is now looking for a new coordinating organisation to lead the eco-certification programme into its next chapter.

This role is an opportunity for an organisation with experience in sustainability, collaboration and cultural networks to help shape how the scheme grows. The new coordinator will support peer learning, oversee certification processes, develop governance and funding models, and expand the SHIFT Culture community across Europe.

Key responsibilities include:

• Updating and maintaining eco-certification guidelines
• Coordinating peer-learning activities and training
• Managing audits and certification cycles
• Supporting new networks joining the programme
• Strengthening communication and visibility

Interested organisations are invited to apply by 6 March 2026 (18:00 CET). More information is available here.

EDN's participation in the SHIFT Culture eco certification is made possible by 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.