Vital role of festivals for society
The cultural and creative sector is vital for our society. Throughout history, this sector contributed to the continuous development of societies. Music, arts and activism inspires dialogues in society, help shaping and reshaping values and aesthetics, and stimulates imagination to provide hope and guidance for a better and sustainable future. The sector contributes to creating a shared sense of identity, community and culture, from a local level to European level. Also, the sector is at the heart of the creative economy, and shows above-average growth and create jobs - particularly for young people - while strengthening social cohesion.

Great potential for the circular and a just climate transition
Festivals hold great potential for Europe’s circular and climate transition. As festivals have become increasingly popular, they can help inspire a green movement and accelerate society’s transition. Festivals inspire their audience, by telling stories, by letting them experience the new green world in our festival-city, and by engaging them in actions during their visit. Not only applying sustainable practices, but also by applying new cultural codes, values, and behaviours; this can resonate long after visitors return home. Currently, the role of music, art, activism, and imagination is underexposed in these transitions. The IPCC report of 2022 underlines the important role of a societal approach for mitigating the climate and biodiversity crisis. By contributing to structural change (technology, infrastructure), individual behavioural change (habits, choices), and societal change (norms, collective action, culture, trust), festivals can help to accelerate the sustainable transition of society – also by giving a platform for voices and communities that are not usually heard, but who are often hit the hardest by the negative effects of climate change.