LeCake Train came to a close in November 2024 after two years of research, workshops and publications. The partners sought to establish a common foundation of knowledge, skills and resources on the challenges of sustainable transformation in the cultural sector. 

With the support of the Erasmus+ programme, seven theatre and artistic organisations from France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Greece and Portugal have “equipped” themselves to manage their transformation. Their research is made available to those involved in culture, civic action and education in Europe, on the project website: https://www.lecake.eu

In developing their programme, the partners defined four themes to explore and transform into teaching modules: 

1. major international and European reference tools (SDGs, IPCC, Green Pact, New European Bauhaus)
2. the Shift Project think tank’s research on decarbonising culture
3. new sustainable initiatives in Europe
4. the role of art in ecology

Why this initiative?

The partners noted that immediate measures requiring people to make sacrifices were having difficulty attracting support, as those involved in the cultural sector feel that their own contribution would have little impact compared to that of governments or major corporations. This encourages people to “put off” their transition and, out of convenience, to opt for a form of denial of the potential connection between small cultural organisations and the fight against climate change.

To reverse this trend, LeCAKE Train has acted as a vehicle for ecological transformation for the members of its consortium, the associated partners and, more generally, sets an example for other small cultural organisations. The goal being to embody the idea that transition can become desirable. Rather than taking an approach based on reducing, limiting and discontinuing, LeCAKE Train embarked on a long-term structural approach. An approach that fosters ownership, innovation and emancipation through respect for the environment and the fight against climate change. 

A European cooperation project

The work carried out by the EU with the Green Deal and then the New European Bauhaus has created a sufficiently strong momentum to mobilise structures that had previously remained on the sidelines. Conversely, at national level, although there are signs encouraging transition, they fade into the background as soon as a more “urgent” crisis sets in.

By working on the issue of ecological transition at European level, LeCAKE Train has encouraged greater commitment from the partners, who have found in the collective effort the satisfaction of playing an active part in their own change. Together, they tell a story of transformation that they are proud to share.

By producing educational resources tailored to their own context in partnership, and by combining their efforts in a positive approach geared towards future European projects, LeCAKE Train brings added value to the ecological transition that is far superior to the still nascent solo approaches of the various organisations in the consortium.

A project centred on education and training

LeCAKE Train aimed to make an impact in the field of adult education and training, by bringing together young adults (aged 18-30) with more experienced professionals.

Each of the partners welcomed young European volunteers who participated as young ambassadors in the development of the project.  

This scheme heightened the impact of the project among the partners and led to 37 young European aspiring professionals receiving training. These young people will in turn be able to inspire their sector when they take up their first professional positions after their voluntary assignments.

[ Translation : NSS EPALE France ]