Pearle* celebrates its 35th anniversary at Linz conference and looks ahead to the future of live performance

This November, members of Pearle*, the largest European federation representing live music and performing arts organisations and a recognised sectoral social partner, gathered in Linz for their 70th conference.

Hosted by the Association of Austrian Regional and City Theatres (Bühnenverein Österreichischer Bundesländer & Städte), the meeting took place in the Musiktheater, home of Linz’s Bruckner Orchestra.

This year’s gathering marked the 35 years of Pearle* and was a great occasion not only to look back on the association’s history, but to reflect on the future of performing arts and cultural policy in a rapidly evolving political and social context across Europe.

This conference comes at a pivotal moment for cultural policy at the EU level. On 12 November, the European Commission published its new Culture Compass for Europe, which defines a long-term strategic vision to guide EU cultural policy up to and beyond the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).

A dedicated panel on cultural policy at local, national and European levels brought together representatives from different governance levels to explore the concrete impact of policies on performing arts organisations from the past to the present and future. The panel featured MEP Hannes Heide, alongside speakers from national and regional cultural policy backgrounds. Speakers agreed that, while cultural objectives are largely aligned across different policy levels, priorities and implementation may vary, but that the priorities and execution differed.

Looking at the opportunities that EU funding can open, a panel of Pearle* members shared their experience with projects supported by Creative Europe, highlighting the positive impact of such initiatives and the need for more flexible funding and increased support for culture in the future.

In addition, the conference programme included a visit to the Ars Electronica, the leading centre for arts and technology. This set the tone for wider discussions on innovation, technology, and skills development in the performing arts, reflecting on how organisations can adapt to digital transformation, changing audiences, and evolving skills needs. EU-funded projects such as the INSPIRE or Perform Europe provided a good basis for exchanges.

Pearle* president Francisca Carneiro Fernandes said, “Our conference in Linz was not only a celebration of our past, but a commitment to our future. The performing arts are essential to Europe’s shared cultural values, social cohesion and democratic life. Pearle* will continue to stand up for our sector’s place in European policy.”

Members further discussed ongoing international and European policy issues impacting the daily functioning of live performance organisations.

The General Assembly also welcomed new members: BDKV, the German Association of the Concert and Event Industry, was officially accepted as a full member, while Studio100 (Belgium) joined as an individual associate member.