Italian Opera Houses in Search of Cultural Sustainability: A Human-Centered Approach

This study aims to explore sustainability in the performing arts through a human-centered lens, focusing on Italian Opera houses and the perspectives of both current and potential audiences. It emphasizes how these institu-tions can nurture social inclusion and raise public awareness to broaden their audience base, all while maintaining financial viability and fostering stakeholder well-being. Adopting a mixed-methods approach—encompassing a literature review, desk analysis, and a quantitative survey—this research uncovers that Ital-ian Opera houses -as part of a creative sector- have struggled to achieve eco-nomic sustainability. Moreover, attempts to expand their audience solely by promoting social inclusion and environmental sustainability have not been entirely successful. Findings highlight various barriers that compro-mise inclusivity; for instance, many attendees perceive ticket prices and the exclusive location of venues in major cities as key obstacles to participa-tion. Although the study’s scope is specific to Italian Opera houses and may not directly apply to other cultural contexts, it offers essential human-centered insights into how economic viability intersects with audience mo-tivations. By recognizing individuals’ needs, values, and barriers to en-gagement, the research underscores the importance of empathetic and inclu-sive management practices that can resonate with a broader demographic. Ultimately, this work provides guidance for policymakers, cultural man-agers, and opera and symphony foundations seeking to adopt human-centered strategies to enhance sustainability, social inclusion, and audience engagement. Through a focus on stakeholder well-being and collaborative approaches, Italian Opera houses can develop stronger connections with the public and secure a more sustainable future.