"How many times can you actually circle the globe with the distances travelled by all visitors to the AnnenMayKantereit summer tour 2023? - 1,196 times" (source: ticket to ride study)

This question kicked off yesterday's panel discussion "Pop culture and sustainability?" as part of the "Ver:achtsamkeit - Ethik der Popkultur" event. The guests were Rembert Stiewe (Orange Blossom Special Festival), Julian Burkert (C:POP member, "NachhaltigkeitsKulturOWL"), Samantha Rein (C:POP member, 1st deputy chair of AStA) and Katharina Schmecht ("NachhaltigkeitsKulturOWL", C:POP member). Prof.in Dr. Beate Flath moderated the panel discussion.

The focus was on the diverse interactions between pop culture and sustainability. A central point of discussion was the role of art and culture in the sustainable transformation of society and the question of the significance of artistic freedom in this context. The responsibility of art and cultural actors was also addressed, especially with regard to the social and ecological impact of their (own) behaviour at festivals and concerts.

The panellists also shed light on why sustainability is increasingly becoming a political "battle cry" and what challenges this poses not only for pop culture but also for each individual. It became clear that the path to a sustainable culture must not only be characterised by awareness and commitment, but also by concrete action. The lively exchange between the panel and the audience showed that the topic touches on many different perspectives - from the practical implementation of sustainable concepts in the event industry to philosophical and ethical issues.

In the end, all participants agreed that despite the current challenges and the many political and economic obstacles, dialogue about sustainability and the responsibility of pop culture is essential. Furthermore, action must be taken both in dialogue and in concrete measures - and never lose sight of the love (for culture).