Rebuilding to Last

In July 2022 Trans Europe Halles started a new and exciting project focusing on the sustainable future of cultural spaces.

Rebuilding to Last (RTL) is led by TEH and delivered in partnership with 12 diverse organisations from across Europe: three architecture and engineering companies, one university, one innovation and research centre, four cultural networks and two intergovernmental organisations, all combining expertise that will have lasting effects on the European and global cultural landscape. The project is co-funded by the European Union’s Creative Europe project.

Across two-years, we will aim to build the capacity of cultural spaces to address the sustainable futures of their buildings and organisations through inspiring and leading sustainable transformation among cultural teams, audiences and communities, cities and beyond.

Main objectives

To research how non-governmental cultural centres are currently integrating sustainable practices in the renovation of their buildings and their overall operations and, conversely, to identify the inhibitors to sustainable practices (e.g. lack of access to finance)
To build capacity for leaders of cultural spaces to address the sustainable renovation of their buildings, and champion the sustainable transition among their teams, audiences, communities and cities
To raise awareness among managers of non-governmental cultural centres, as well as other building-based cultural organisations and their audiences on EU’s environmental sustainability priorities (Green Deal)

The vision is to enable grassroots and community-led cultural spaces to become environmentally sustainable, energy efficient, carbon neutral facilities that not only have a positive impact on the users and local communities but also become inspirational leaders in a new movement for green culture, in Europe and across the world.

Throughout the project, we will produce a series of publications recording the findings of our action research, as well as a roadmap for cultural centres looking to start their transformation journeys towards sustainability. These will be complemented by free online training content on the topic and financial support to three experimental participatory architecture interventions in different cultural centres across Europe.

Watch this space for updates on the project and news on our upcoming event. If you are keen to receive the information in your inbox, please register in this closed mailing list.

About Trans Europe Halles

TEH has been at the forefront of repurposing post-industrial buildings for cultural uses since 1983. It’s one of the most progressive and dynamic cultural networks in Europe and not only the independent sector looks up to it. We believe that there’s no time to lose and want to support a sustainable transition by integrating participatory practices and circular design in re-thinking cultural centres and public spaces.