"Culture must not be treated as an afterthought but as a driver of democracy, innovation, and resilience", states Live DMA in their response.
As part of Creatives Unite’s ongoing feature on the Culture Compass Live DMA, the European network of national live music associations shared their perspective through a written contribution. Their message? Culture must be placed at the heart of Europe’s democratic, social, and environmental transformation.
The answers were submitted by Audrey Guerre, Coordinator of Live DMA, and reflect the views of the network. Live DMA's vision is grounded in a three-fold strategy: protecting cultural diversity and independence, improving working conditions for cultural professionals, and embedding sustainability in all cultural policies.
CU: What strategic vision should guide the Commission’s new policy directions for culture within the framework of the Culture Compass?
LiveDMA: The strategic vision must be to place culture at the heart of Europe’s democratic, social, and environmental transformation. The Culture Compass should be guided by three imperatives: securing cultural diversity and independence, improving working conditions for cultural professionals, and integrating sustainability into cultural policies. Culture must not be treated as an afterthought but as a driver of democracy, innovation, and resilience.
CU: What are the three most important elements that characterise the European cultural and creative ecosystem and should be protected and further strengthened within the framework of the Culture Compass?
LiveDMA: 1. Cultural diversity and economic independence: Europe's strength lies in its plurality of independent operators who foster artistic experimentation, support emerging talent, and ensure cultural access across all territories.
2. Mobility and collaboration networks: Cross-border artistic exchange and cultural networks are essential for strengthening European unity, resilience, and global influence.
3. Live music as a public good: Cultural spaces such as live music venues are vital for community life, democratic engagement, and economic vitality, and must be recognized and protected as essential infrastructures.
CU: What are the three most important challenges facing the cultural and creative industries today, which the Culture Compass could address to ensure a thriving and sustainable future for creativity in Europe?
LiveDMA: 1. Economic fragility, inflation and urban pressures: Rising operational costs, persistent inflation, and increasing urban pressures such as gentrification and real estate speculation threaten the survival of independent cultural venues, reducing access to culture and limiting opportunities for artistic diversity.
2. Precarious working conditions: Cultural workers face unstable incomes, lack of social security, and systemic inequalities that undermine the sector's attractiveness and sustainability.
3. Growing dominance of major corporations: The increasing market concentration in ticketing, promotion, and venue ownership threatens fair competition, artistic diversity, and access to culture.
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Images: 1) Main image, Courtesy of Audrey Guerre
2) Live DMA's official logo, Courtesy of Live DMA
