En Piste is proud to support the eco-responsible transition in the performing arts sector. By providing key resources, we aim to inspire artists, companies, and presenters to promote sustainable, innovative, and environmentally friendly practices.
We are honored to be partners of the Ecodesign Guide created by Écosceno.
View the guide
Our goal: to go beyond simple impact reduction, by developing approaches that regenerate, connect and transform practices in the circus world.
The main key concepts
1. Principled Design (Values and Intentions)
Before even creating a show or mounting a tour, we define the principles that will guide every step.
Examples in the circus:
· Create an inclusive show welcoming artists from different cultures and disciplines
· Use recycled or reclaimed materials for the set design and costumes
· Favor local or regional tours to limit air travel
Result: every artistic, logistical, and promotional choice is aligned with these values from the outset.
2. Regenerative Design (Creating Positive Impacts, Not Just Reducing Impacts)
We don’t just reduce negative impacts: we also seek to generate environmental and social benefits.
Examples in the circus:
· Erecting a temporary tent incorporating local plants to regenerate the soil
· Organizing free community workshops before or after shows
· Reinvesting a portion of revenues in local ecological projects (tree planting, restoring natural environments)
Result: the positive impact extends beyond the show, leaving a beneficial legacy.
3. Ecosystem Approach (Thinking in terms of an interconnected network)
The project is considered as part of a larger system and its overall effects are considered.
Examples in the circus:
· Collaborate with local suppliers to reduce transportation and support the local economy
· Offer ticketing information on public or non-public transportation options to get to the show
· Develop partnerships with local restaurants or artisans to enhance the experience and pool resources
Result: the show becomes a link in an ecological, social, and economic network, not an isolated object.
National and pan-Canadian resources
This selection of links and initiatives aims to support our community in adopting ecological strategies throughout the creation, production and distribution cycle.
Canadian Green Alliance (CGA)
Offers resources to help arts organizations adopt environmentally friendly practices, including a guide and green ambassadors. Website: catracrt.ca
Centre for Sustainable Practice in the Arts (CSPA) Offers tools and programs to integrate sustainability into artistic practices, including initiatives such as Climate Change Theatre Action. Website: sustainablepractice.org
Climate Art Web (CAW-WAC) Canadian network of artists engaged in climate issues, sharing resources, knowledge, and best practices. Website: caw-wac.com
Creative Green Tools Canada (CAPACOA & Julie’s Bicycle) Tools to measure and reduce the carbon footprint of the performing arts in Canada. Website: capacoa.ca/en/services/creative-green-tools
Resources in Quebec
The Eco-Responsible Benchmark for the Performing Arts (REPAIRE) A directory of resources for the performing arts, including guides on eco-design and sustainable practices. Website: repaire.art
Festival TransAmériques (FTA) Committed to reducing its ecological footprint and sharing its eco-responsible practices. Website: fta.ca
The Théâtre Duceppe’s ecological project is an exemplary initiative in eco-design and sustainability in the theater sector. Website: duceppe.com/ecolo
Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec (CALQ) offers tools to help cultural organizations reduce their emissions, including Creative Green tools adapted for Canada. Website: calq.gouv.qc.ca
French-speaking resources outside Quebec
Association of Francophone Theatres of Canada (ATFC) Programs and initiatives for sustainable development in French-language theatre outside Quebec. Website: atfc.ca/fr
French-Canadian Cultural Federation (FCCF) Actions for sustainable cultural development in Francophone minority communities. Website: fccf.ca
Arts and the City Network: Cultural Charter aligned with Agenda 21 for Culture and Sustainable Development. Website: obs.agenda21culture.net
Center for the Francophonie of the Americas: Resources and initiatives to promote the Francophonie and cultural exchanges across the Americas. Website: francophoniedesameriques.com
Circus-specific initiatives
Marguerite on a Bicycle
Circus company that creates bicycle tours for eco-designed shows, in partnership with other companies. (artsmontreal.org)
Les Foutoukours
A company part of the 2024-2025 cohort, supported in using Creative Green tools to measure and reduce its carbon footprint.
Scrap Arts Music
A British Columbia troupe creating instruments from recycled materials for innovative percussion performances.
If you know of any other initiatives, please complete the following form so that they can be added to the list!
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Institutional policies
National Arts Centre (NAC)
Committed to promoting best environmental management practices in the performing arts, with emission reduction targets by 2026. (nac-cna.ca)
Creative Green Canada Tools
The Creative Green Canada Tools, developed with Julie’s Bicycle (UK), help arts organizations:
· Calculate the carbon footprint of their activities (shows, tours, festivals, offices)
· Follow the evolution of their broadcast
· Develop reduction strategies
They are available in French and English, adapted for Canada in collaboration with the Centre for Sustainable Practice in the Arts (CSPA) and the Conseil québécois des événements écoresponsables (CQEER).
Although the Creative Green certification program ended in 2020, its principles of commitment, understanding, and improvement continue to inspire eco-responsible practices.
Other initiatives in Canada
Calgary Arts Development
Pilot program launched in 2023 to help arts organizations integrate Creative Green tools.