May 12th, 2023
Brussels/Oslo, 12 May 2023
The 65th Pearle* Conference, hosted by the Norwegian Theatres and Orchestras Association, brought together representatives of the live performance sector from across Europe to discuss the most pressing issues professionals currently face. The conference, which took place on 11 and 12 May at Oslo’s National Theatre, featured keynote speeches, discussions, and workshops on topics ranging from inclusion and diversity to sustainability, the artist status and artistic freedom.
The Norwegian Ministry of Culture, Anette Trettebergstuen explained how Norway applies the arm's length principle in cultural policy and the collaboration with social partners through what is recognised as the Nordic model.
On inclusion and diversity, two complementary workshops allowed attendees to grasp all the practical aspects and significance of having an inclusive approach to live performances. Sustainability remained a key topic with a focus on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the place that Culture plays in implementing these aims in the context of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. At the conference, the Allians model was presented, an initiative from social partners in Norway, with the help of the Ministry of Culture, that aims to support freelance artists.
In a keynote address, Sverre Pedersen, president of Freemuse provided insights into the state of artistic freedom in the world and the threat to democracy.
At the General Assembly on 12 May, a new Executive Committee was elected, including a new President for the coming two years: Sébastien Justine from FEPS/Les Forces Musicales. You can find the full composition of the board here.
"We're thrilled to have hosted this important event in Oslo and to have brought together so many dedicated professionals to discuss key topics and share best practices", said Morten Gjelten, managing director of NTO, former president of Pearle* and host of the conference.
The new Pearle* president Sébastien Justine added: "I'm honoured to be elected as the president of Pearle* for the next two-year term and I look forward to working with my colleagues around Europe for a sustainable ecosystem of the live performance sector."
***ends***
About Pearle*
Pearle*- Live Performance Europe is a European federation representing through its members more than 10,000 theatres, theatre production companies, orchestras and music ensembles, opera houses, ballet and dance companies, festivals, concert halls, venues and technical suppliers and sole traders within the performing arts and music sector across Europe. The aim of this non-profit making organisation is the establishment of a stable environment by supporting sustainability and promotion of Live Performance across Europe.
