CultInsight

In recent years, sustainability has become a key concept in the cultural field—not just in terms of the environment, but also from a social and economic perspective . This shift reflects a growing awareness: the way we produce culture has an impact , and it’s time we take responsibility for it. Beyond Recycling: A Broader Understanding of Sustainability When we talk about sustainability in the arts, we often imagine recycled sets , energy-efficient lighting , or low-impact touring . And while these are valid practices, sustainability in the performing arts and music goes far beyond that. It involves a comprehensive rethink of how we design, create, and share our work. What Sustainability Means in Practice In the cultural sector, being sustainable also means: Rethinking outdated production models Caring for the wellbeing of artists, technicians, and collaborators Building real connections with local communities Reducing consumption without compromising creativity ...

The production of a performance or event is a complex process that involves a series of well-defined stages. Below, we explore these stages in detail, highlighting the key aspects of each. General Production Stages Pre-production This is the initial and fundamental phase where the groundwork for the project is established. During this stage, the original concept is developed, objectives are defined, and the necessary technical, artistic, and administrative requirements are set. Script Selection (for theatre productions): This may involve choosing an existing play or developing an original piece. Considerations include the storyline, cast requirements, dramatic structure, performance space, and target audience. Acquisition of Rights: Ensuring copyright clearance for any text, music, or other protected material to be used in the production is crucial. Auditions and Team Selection: Casting calls are held to select performers, and the necessary technical and artistic teams are a...

  Show production is a complex process that encompasses all the phases leading up to the premiere, as well as the coordination of the necessary resources to ensure the show takes place at the scheduled time and location. What Does Show Production Involve? Every stage production is a carefully coordinated machine where multiple elements come into play: logistical planning, budget management, coordination of technical and artistic teams, and meeting deadlines. The production team is responsible for bringing all these factors together to ensure that the artistic vision successfully reaches the audience. When producing a show, three fundamental aspects must be balanced: The final outcome : ensuring artistic and technical quality. The cost : keeping expenses within the allocated budget. The timeline : meeting deadlines and ensuring the show premieres on time. The Pillars of a Successful Production To bring a production to the stage, a well-structured strategy must be in place, fo...

 Contracting in the field of performing arts defines the economic conditions in which a show is presented in a performance space. There are different types of contracting, each with advantages and disadvantages for companies, artists and programmers. The choice of one model or another depends on factors such as the type of hall, the capacity of the venue, the audience forecast and the financial possibilities of the organiser. The main contracting modalities in the performing arts sector are detailed below: 1. Price ticket It is one of the most traditional forms of cultural programming. In this model, the company or artist receives a previously agreed fixed amount for the performance of the show. This payment is usually agreed in a contract and, depending on the agreement, may or may not include other additional expenses such as transport, accommodation, allowances or technical material. How is the fee established? We explain it in the video of 17 March 🙆. Advantages and disadvanta...

     This post opens the section “ News and current affairs” , which will be focused on what is happening right now in the cultural-related industry and topics that might be of interest for all of you. And, why do I talk about cultural industry  and not just about culture? Well, I think that we should be clear that mainly in music, but as well as theater, dance and other disciplines; money, marketing, finances, the production,  … are essential and a huge part, like it or not, of them. The first topic I’ve chosen is Spotify, especially how it works and why it is mentioned everywhere. Let’s start then!      As we all know, Spotify is a streaming platform that gives us access to a huge variety of music, podcasts, and recently, videos. Ok then, so how do composers and artists earn money from this platform? Let’s talk about royalties. To stream a recording, Spotify requires two separate licenses , Sound recording and Composition/song; and each of those...

       This section, named “ International cultural rights and diplomacy ”, will be dedicated to the understanding of international organizations such as UNESCO, what different countries' institutes do for the spread and maintenance of their culture around the world, and explanations about different topics related to cultural rights on an international level.      This first post focuses on whether or not culture can be understood as soft power.  So, first of all, what do we mean when talking about soft power? Usually defined as the opposite of hard power, which involves physical, military and economic features; this concept was coined by Joseph Nye, American political scientist known for co-founding the international relations theory of neoliberalism. Soft power concept was introduced in  Bound to Lead: The Changing Nature of American Power (1990) and in an article published the same year. There, soft power was used to portrait America’s lea...