In 2024, Reset! is heading to Brussels, returning to the network’s origins, at the Reset venue. Dedicated to championing independent cultural and media organisations throughout Europe, Reset! will delve into the challenges faced by independent cultural and media organisations across the continent through a series of open recorded discussions.
With the European elections on the horizon, this live podcast cycle seeks to highlight the significance of independence within the cultural sector. Following the different exchanges, a series of podcasts will be released on the Reset! website and the We are Europe media platform. These audio resources will be accessible to everyone and can be freely shared with any online community radio.
Reset! Live Podcast #3: Behind the Scenes: the Working Conditions Backstage of Independent Culture
May 22 · 19:00
In October of last year, the EU Parliament gave its backing to a directive aimed at improving working conditions within the cultural field. This marked a significant step as it marked the first time the Parliament has called upon the European Commission to establish a comprehensive legal framework within the EU to enhance social and professional standards in the cultural and creative industries. This push came at a crucial moment, with mounting concerns within the sector regarding equitable compensation for artists and the need for official recognition of the status of artists and cultural professionals in a sector that is constantly evolving. The urgency is particularly pronounced within the independent cultural sector, which faces not only economic challenges but also threats from authoritarian regimes all over Europe. In light of these challenges, it is vital to assess the current realities of working conditions within the independent cultural sector and explore avenues for improvement.
Speakers to be announced.
Reset! Live Podcast #4: Independent Voices Face High Ownership Concentration: Mapping the Cultural Landscape
June 26 · 19:00
Less documented than in the media landscape, the trend of concentration in the cultural sector is equally concerning. In 2023, this predatory behavior is evident in several areas. This is the case in the festival sector, with five major industrial groups having capital interests in approximately 150 festivals according to a study by Matthieu Barreira and Emmanuel Négrier published in the Nectart journal in 2022; in the publishing domain where "concentration has never been so significant" according to historian Jean-Yves Mollier; within the film industry, where concentration "leads to a shift in power dynamics in favor, on one hand, of these large distribution companies and, on the other hand, of large exploitation companies." This phenomenon leads to similar effects in these sectors: standardization of creation, artistic homogenization, reduction of emergence, diversity, and pluralism. Faced with this trend, it is urgent to invent alternatives, based on cooperation models instead of competition.
Speakers to be announced.