Better Live: practical tools for a more sustainable live music sector
EMEE is one of eleven European partners taking part in Better Live, a four-year cooperation project working towards a more sustainable, fair and inclusive live music sector.
Running from 2022 to 2026, Better Live brings together partners from across Europe’s jazz and improvised music community to explore how the sector can reduce its environmental impact while continuing to support artistic mobility, international collaboration and live performance.
The project focuses particularly on the ecological transition of the live music sector, recognising that the mobility of artists and audiences is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions in the cultural field. Through research, training, advocacy, local action groups, sustainable concerts and low-carbon touring models, Better Live aims to develop practical ways for music professionals and organisations to take action.
Across the project, Better Live has supported the creation of around 300 artistic low-carbon events, work across nine territories, involve local cultural actors, and deliver ecological training sessions for the sector.
For EMEE, the project connects directly to our work supporting European music export. International mobility remains essential for artists, music companies and audiences, but it must also be approached with greater care, knowledge and responsibility. Better Live offers an important space to test new models, share knowledge and support music professionals in making more sustainable choices.
Better Live learning platform
As part of the project, Better Live has now launched a new online learning platform designed for musicians and live music professionals. The platform offers 15 thematic learning paths to help users better understand the ecological challenges facing the live music sector, explore practical solutions and take action in their own work.
Topics include:
- music and ecology
- carbon footprint
- mobility
- sustainable food
- energy
- waste
- buildings
- policies and cooperation
- low-carbon touring
The platform includes educational resources, practical tools, recent studies, quizzes and real-world insights developed by European experts. It is designed for a wide range of professionals across the live music and performing arts sectors, including musicians, venue teams, technicians, producers, booking agents, concert and festival organisers, students, teachers and cultural trainers.
The platform is available in English, French, Spanish and German.
Explore the platform here: training.betterlivemusic.com/en
Find out more about the Better Live project here: betterlivemusic.com