Before breaking for the summer, 100 Opera Europa members filled in the online questionnaire about their company’s approach to Sustainability, Equality and Digital Transformation issues. These areas were identified as high potential and in need of development in the wake of the pandemic, as opera companies look for ways better to respond to society’s main priorities and take on their role as an active player within their communities, and beyond.
Within the pro-bono collaboration with FEDORA, management consultancy firm Kearney will present their analysis from the survey data on 25 October, highlighting the Opera reboot message for World Opera Day. This represents the launch of Next Stage, an initiative led by FEDORA and Opera Europa, with the aim to support projects contributing to better organisations in terms of Sustainability, Equality or Digital Transformation, on, behind and beyond the stage.
Following the online survey, Kearney engaged in one-to-one discussions with the Next Stage partners to delve into the challenges and opportunities each of them faces in these areas. Join us during our 3 first Next Stage events to find out the detailed results.
29 November 11.00 -13.00 CET – Sustainability – register with celia@opera-europa.org
6 December 11.00-13.00 CET – Equality – register with susanna@opera-europa.org
13 December 11.00-13.00 CET – Digital Transformation – register with audrey@opera-europa.org
FIRST FINDINGS
Sustainability
Sustainability issues include eco-responsible behaviour on the part of the opera company, stakeholders and audiences.
From using recyclable materials in sets and costumes to offering locally-grown produce in the canteen, to encouraging audiences to travel to the performance with public transport, opera companies have many ways to take on their eco-responsibility.
On average, opera companies found they are 57% engaged with sustainability issues. 11 companies stated that sustainability was not a priority for their organisation, but 8 of them expected that to change within 5 years. 62 companies were in the analysis and preparation phases of launching sustainability projects, while 27 were already implementing, improving and scaling up their initiatives.
Equality
Equality issues include creating opportunities for diversity within the organisation, its stakeholders and its audience.
From audience outreach programmes to a diverse workforce throughout the company, to learning and participation opportunities, opera companies must fight the prejudice of elitism and lead the way for an inclusive society.
On average, opera companies found they are 68% engaged with equality issues. 7 companies stated that equality was not a priority for their organisation, and 4 of them expected that to change within 5 years. 48 companies were in the analysis and preparation phases of launching equality projects, while 45 were already implementing, improving and scaling up their initiatives.
Digital Transformation
Digital Transformation issues include using new technologies to improve the opera company’s activities.
From live streaming to wide audiences to 3D virtual model showings, from venue, personnel and CRM software to digital ticketing, opera companies have creative resources to develop and become industry leaders.
On average, opera companies found they are 71% engaged with digital issues. Only 1 company stated that digital transformation was not a priority for their organisation. 45 companies were in the analysis and preparation phases of launching digital transformation projects, while 54 were already implementing, improving and scaling up their initiatives.
Audrey Jungers
About Next Stage
About Next Stage Next Stage is a joint initiative led by FEDORA and Opera Europa, and is part of FEDORA’s application to Creative Europe for public funds to support the operational, capacity-building and advocacy activities of Next Stage. Thanks to private funding being raised by FEDORA, all Opera Europa and FEDORA members are welcome to present joint transformative projects in the areas of Sustainability, Equality and Digital Transformation as of 2022 for assessment by a jury before allotting grants. More information will follow.
Pro-bono Partner: Kearny
