Enhancing Sustainability in Italian Opera houses

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the sustainability in performing arts, in particular in the context of Italian Opera houses, considering the way they are facing financial viability and how they can enhance social inclusion initiatives and increase public awareness to broaden the audience base. These dimensions of sustainability enable Italian Opera houses to fulfill their objectives and missions, including maintaining high productivity levels without compromising the quality of their artistic outputs or diminishing their engagement with local communities. Methodology: The research adopts a mixed methods approach: literature review, desk analysis and quantitative analysis. Data will be collected through desk analysis and a filed analysis, conducted through a survey. Findings: The results indicate that the economic sustainability of Italian Opera houses has not been effectively attained, and that audiences cannot be expanded through the promotion of social inclusion and environmental sustainability. The study reveals several barriers that render Italian Opera houses less inclusive. For instance, current audiences perceive ticket prices and the locations in major Italian cities as significant obstacles to attending opera performances. Limitations of the research: The research is limited by its specific focus on Italian Opera houses, which may not be directly applicable to other cultural sectors or regions. Originality/value of the research: This study offers a perspective on sustainability, both in terms of the economic and financial viability of Italian Opera houses and in terms of the public’s willingness to support Italian Opera houses that implement sustainable initiatives. It provides valuable insights for policy makers, cultural managers and opera and symphony foundations seeking to improve sustainability, inclusivity and audience engagement.