Perhaps the most important outcome of the four days was that we, as partners, were able to reflect together on our work in different but closely related areas of early music, the future of this musical field, our main challenges and how we can ensure a sustainable and viable future for this genre in the long term. Our partners shared their thoughts on what they took away from this training:
Sandra and Olga – GhislieriMusica
“During the four days spent at Lake Balaton for the S-EEEmerging seminar, we had the opportunity to reflect deeply on the intersection of music and sustainability. Representing GhislieriMusica, we approached the event with curiosity and a desire to explore how cultural institutions and emerging artists can contribute to a more sustainable future, both environmentally and socially.
The seminar provided an inspiring platform for exchange, where participants from diverse backgrounds shared their perspectives, practices, and hopes for a more sustainable creative ecosystem. It was especially valuable to hear how different organizations across Europe are addressing sustainability — not only in terms of ecological impact but also in fostering long-term resilience for artistic communities.
One of the most meaningful aspects of the experience was the emphasis on collective creativity and the power of collaboration. Group discussions often revealed the complexity of sustainability in the arts: from reducing the carbon footprint of touring musicians to designing concert programs that engage local communities and promote environmental awareness. The input from The Green Room was particularly enlightening, emphasizing that every sustainable (or unsustainable) choice has a social background. This nuanced perspective underscored the importance of balancing ecological ideals with human realities.
Furthermore, the seminar reinforced that sustainability is a broader and more complex concept, influenced by a domino effect: economic and social sustainability positively impact environmental sustainability. This interconnectedness stresses the importance of economic sustainability and the need to monitor it through social accounting. Understanding how financial health and social well-being contribute to long-term environmental stewardship is crucial for designing truly sustainable artistic practices.
Despite the complexity of these issues, the sense of connection and shared purpose that emerged from the seminar was truly motivating. It reminded us that sustainability is not only about practical solutions but also about nurturing a mindset of care, responsibility, and adaptability within the cultural sector. The natural beauty of Lake Balaton itself served as a poignant backdrop to our conversations — a reminder of why preserving and respecting our environment is so vital.
We are grateful to the organizers and fellow participants for creating a space where these reflections could take shape, and I look forward to continuing this dialogue and translating ideas into tangible projects. The collective blog post is a wonderful way to extend the impact of our time together, and we hope our shared words will inspire others to consider the ways music and creativity can be powerful forces for sustainable change.”
Stanisław – SONORA
“As for a newcomer, joining the S-EEE Seminar for the first time, my biggest impression was that of a positive collective energy which emanates from the group. Finding solutions to the problems and improving oneself seems much easier when knowing one can rely on like-minded partners. I did enjoy very much that throughout the seminar an open and creative dialogue could have been established, sometimes casting a new light to the answers which have always been there, within the reach – and maybe too close to see them! Last but not least, I did appreciate that Kate Raworth’s Doughnut Economics concept has been brought to the participants’ attention – I think it could serve of an interesting landmark or intellectual reference in everyone’s reflection!”
Juliette – Centre culturel de rencontre d’Ambronay
“Firstly, I’d like to say that it was a wonderful time in Hungary, during which we did a lot of work and also got to know your beautiful country (and the great culinary specialities!).
On a more professional level, it was very interesting to be able to discuss our difficulties and to see that many of the subjects we tackle in Ambronay are the same for the other partners. We were able to tackle a lot of issues and learn a lot about how to work as a group. Now, I think we need to go back to the drawing board and come up with solutions and new approaches.
If I had to name three things that I would remember, it would be the start of work on local hubs, the reverse brainstorming that is a good method for teamwork and the timeline, which makes it easier to plan for the years ahead.”
Camila Menino and Camila Moutinho – Academia de Música de Espinho
“Last week’s seminar was essential for deepening and consolidating reflections and strengthening the commitment to sustainability within the organisation and aligning ideals for its implementation. Although structural challenges persist – such as resistance to change, financial limitations and lack of resources – the discussions sparked greater interest in areas such as digital footprint, greenwashing and individual responsibility. Rather than providing ready-made solutions, the seminar boosted the will to act and look for viable ways to integrate sustainable practices, especially in the field of social sustainability, as well as helping to outline a clearer path. The exchange of ideas with the S-EEE partners proved inspiring, given the sharing of practical examples, encouraging a more serious exploration of mobility alternatives for artists and audiences and more effective and continuous communication on these issues, to find solutions together. More than a question of knowledge and the creation of a common knowledge base, the challenge is to turn this will into action, even if these actions are small and carried out gradually.”
Whether these four days were really useful for us and what we will actually do with what we have heard here will only be decided in the long run, but it has given us a good basis to continue working and moving forward on the common path that S-EEE project represents to us: our joint commitment to shaping a resilient future for Early Music.
