In this episode of the EXCENTRIC Podcast, our hosts speak with Gert Naessens from the European Festivals Association (EFA), a network connecting arts festivals across Europe and beyond, and EXCENTRIC partner. Together, they explore the changing role of festivals and how data can help organisations respond to growing economic, social, and environmental pressures while strengthening their artistic and social missions.
Building from the project’s first Open Demo Day, the conversation explores the challenges facing today’s festival sector, from rising costs, uncertain public funding, and changing audience behaviour to growing expectations around sustainability, participation, and inclusion. It also considers how festivals can move beyond simply collecting data and begin using it strategically to understand their wider social impact, demonstrate public value, and learn from one another through more collaborative data practices.
Guest Intro:
Gert Naessens is Director of Business Development at the European Festivals Association. He develops relationships with strategic partners, manages projects across EFA’s initiatives, and oversees the organisation’s financial and administrative operations. Before joining EFA, Gert worked in management, marketing, and communication roles at OPEK in Leuven and the Centre for Fine Arts in Brussels. His background also includes business development in the IT sector and a longstanding involvement in music as a violinist.
About Excentric:
EXCENTRIC is an EU-funded research and innovation project exploring how digital tools and collaborative approaches can strengthen Europe’s cultural and experience sectors. By bringing together researchers, industry experts, and cultural organisations, the project aims to support more sustainable, responsible, and human-centred ways of working across live music, festivals, museums and theatre.
This podcast series is produced by KEA European Affairs & the EXCENTRIC consortium.
As part of EXCENTRIC’s Communication, Dissemination & Exploitation activities, the series shares insights from pilots across six countries, alongside accessible frameworks and policy reflections.
Disclaimer:
This project has received funding from the European Commission under the Horizon Europe programme (Project ID: 101178180). Views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
Music & Sound design: Haakon Hildisch
