SHIFT CULTURE seeks a new coordinator applications are open

SHIFT CULTURE seeks a new coordinator

applications are open

 

Who we are

SHIFT CULTURE is a collaboration of European cultural networks and platforms. Together, these organisations run an eco-certification scheme and offer training and peer-to-peer learning for their community of partner organisations. They are committed to eco-responsible behaviour and seek to raise awareness on green issues through arts in society at large. SHIFT CULTURE partners are representative organisations with over 3000 member organisations based all across Europe and beyond.

 

Context and Current State of Affairs

The SHIFT Eco-Certification programme is the legacy of an Erasmus+ Strategic Partnership in which European cultural networks and platforms collaborated to address several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through structural change in their own organisations and sectors. Building on this foundation, the programme operationalised the SHIFT Eco-Guidelines for Cultural Networks: a tailor-made framework addressing the environmental footprint of international cultural network and platform organisations, with particular attention to travel, events, governance, operations, and policy. Following a three-year pilot phase, the scheme has matured into a fully operational eco-certification programme combining guideline implementation, expert-led teaching and content, peer-to-peer learning, and independent auditing. Coordination is currently carried out by Culture for Climate Scotland, with external auditing provided by Vector42. Participating networks collaborate through a shared collaboration agreement and jointly contract the external parties involved; a full list of participating networks is included in the annex. As Culture for Climate Scotland will step down from the coordinating role after 2026 due to a shift in organisational priorities, the SHIFT CULTURE community is now seeking a new coordinating organisation to lead the next phase of consolidation, development, and growth of the eco-certification scheme.

 

What are we looking for?

SHIFT CULTURE community is seeking a new coordinator by January 1, 2027 at the latest, ideally allowing for a smooth transition period starting in the second half of 2026. Applicants should be a legal entity with a central structure able to coordinate SHIFT CULTURE legally and financially. They should have a strong background in the cultural sector and solid knowledge of eco-certification requirements. The working language is English, other languages would be an asset.

Interested candidates are welcome to outline their own vision of how the SHIFT CULTURE eco-certification scheme could be developed, including:

  • Governance structure of the community
  • Financially viable model
  • Development of the scheme and the SHIFT CULTURE eco-guidelines 
  • Development of peer-to-peer learning, workshops and other trainings
  • Advancement of eco-responsibility amongst partners
  • Communication plan

 

Coordination of SHIFT CULTURE includes

  • Development of the certification scheme, including updating of certification guidelines and auditing tools, resources and examples, supported by the SHIFT community 
  • Coordination and development of the SHIFT CULTURE peer-to-peer learning programme, including workshops with external expertise 
  • Coordination of the annual auditing and certification process with a defined auditing organisation
  • Recruitment, admission and onboarding of new partners
  • External communication to raise awareness, profile and recognition of SHIFT CULTURE scheme
  • Management of the SHIFT CULTURE community with a growing number of participants and external partners, including administration and financial management

 

The governance and implementation of SHIFT CULTURE is supervised and guided by a steering group formed by participant representatives. All members of the community are invited to contribute to the development of the scheme.

 

Challenges and opportunities for a new coordinator

Following the successful initial eco-certification of the partners in the past three years, the challenges and opportunities for a new coordinator entail:  

  • Growing the recognition of the value of the SHIFT CULTURE certification through communications initiatives and official/institutional endorsement
  • Growing the impact of the SHIFT eco-certification by extending the number of partners participating in the SHIFT CULTURE-certification process
  • Devising a financially-realistic and sustainable model for the coordination and further development of SHIFT CULTURE
  • Maintaining what was already achieved

 

The new coordination will benefit from the support of a steering committee, and will gain from the knowledge already present within the network.

 

Financial framework and considerations

SHIFT CULTURE is currently financed through annual subscription fees paid by participating networks, set at €2,500 (incl. VAT) per organisation, and jointly used to cover coordination, expert input, peer-learning activities, and independent auditing. While this model has enabled the successful delivery of the pilot phase and the consolidation of the scheme, discussions within the community have highlighted the need to further reflect on financial accessibility, particularly for smaller network organisations. A more differentiated or tiered contribution model has been suggested as a possible avenue to ensure inclusivity while maintaining the financial sustainability of the programme. These considerations form part of the broader strategic questions to be addressed in the next phase of SHIFT CULTURE.

 

What to submit?

Please submit one proposal (of maximum 5 pages) outlining your vision for how the SHIFT CULTURE eco-certification scheme could be developed. We are particularly interested in your approach to:

 

  • Governance of the SHIFT CULTURE community
  • Developing a financially viable model
  • Expanding the network of participating organisations in SHIFT CULTURE
  • Increasing the recognition and visibility of the SHIFT CULTURE eco-certification scheme

 

Your proposal should also include a three-year budget overview (2027–2029), showing expected income and expenditure and highlighting the main cost items and assumptions.

 

In addition, please provide a list of relevant activities you have delivered (and/or references) demonstrating your experience and capacity to take on this role.

 

Only applications handed in via this form will be considered. Please complete the form and upload your proposal here.

 

Selection criteria

  • Ability to perform the work
  • Reliable and trustworthy partner
  • Proven track record in the field of climate certification
  • Proven experiences in a European or international work context
  • Innovative approach to the challenge
  • Ready to invest in this opportunity 
  • Interest in co-creation with the culture sector
  • Consistent budget proposal
  • Deep knowledge of the cultural sector

 

Timeline

Publication of the call: 2 February 2026

Online info sessions: 18 February 2026 11:00-13:00 CET and 20 February 2026 14:00-16:00 CET

Deadline for submission: 6 March 2026 18:00 CET

 

Annex: List of participating networks

  • AEC (Association Européenne des Conservatoires)
  • Aerowaves
  • ASSITEJ International (International Association of Theatre & Performing Arts for Children & Young People)
  • CIRCOSTRADA (European Network for contemporary circus and outdoor arts)
  • Culture Action Europe
  • ECHO (European Concert Halls Organisation)
  • EDN (European Dance Development Network)
  • EJN (Europe Jazz Network)
  • ELIA (Globally connected European network for higher arts education)
  • EMC (European Music Council)
  • EMU (European Music School Union)
  • ENCATC (European network on cultural management and policy)
  • IETM (International network for contemporary performing arts) 
  • Live DMA
  • NEMO (Network of European Museum Organisations) 
  • On the Move
  • Opera Europa
  • REMA (European Early Music Network)