Sustainability Manager and Strategist for Cultural Institutions
Hybrid programme (Online and On-site)
Organised by: Institution School
Sustainability is becoming a defining challenge for museums, theatres, festivals, foundations, heritage sites and cultural organisations worldwide. As ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) criteria become increasingly important for funding, partnerships and public accountability, the sector needs professionals who can turn sustainability ambitions into measurable results. This intensive one-month programme prepares participants to take on that role.
The programme is structured in two parts:
The first (31 August - 18 September 2026) consists of three weeks of live online sessions, with recordings available for all participants.
The second (21–27 September 2026) is an intensive one-week residency in Santa Sofia, a small town in the Apennines between Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany and a gateway to the Foreste Casentinesi National Park.
Participants who complete the entire programme are awarded the Professional Certificate in Sustainability Management and Strategy for Cultural Institutions, while those who attend only the online phase may obtain the First Level Certificate in Sustainability Management for Cultural Institutions.
At the heart of the programme is the development of a Sustainability Portfolio, a professional document built around a real case study: the participant’s own organisation, for those already working within a cultural institution, or an institution assigned by the programme in the case of independent professionals. The portfolio includes organisational analysis, stakeholder mapping, ESG frameworks, impact measurement tools, sustainability strategy, KPI systems, communication plans, and sustainable fundraising and sponsorship strategies.
The residency week is dedicated to applying acquired competences within a real and complex cultural ecosystem, including a contemporary art gallery, a theatre, heritage assets, festivals and territorial projects. The week culminates in the International Forum on the Sustainability of Culture, offering participants the opportunity to engage with professionals, public administrators, researchers and cultural practitioners from a variety of international contexts. While the online phase provides technical tools and professional competences, the residency develops practical skills, strategic vision, leadership and professional networks.
The residential week in Santa Sofia is open to a limited number of attendees.
The programme is coordinated by Martin Neureiter, founder of CSR Company International and one of Europe’s leading experts in sustainability, corporate responsibility and ESG strategy. Alongside him, the programme brings together some of the most important international figures working at the intersection of sustainability and culture, including:
Jean Savitsky (Director of Sustainability, MoMA, New York),
Marta Lovato (Head of Sustainability, Santarcangelo Festival),
Allegra Rusconi (Sustainability Advisor, Terraforma Festival),
Kim Kraczon (founder of the Gallery Climate Coalition - Berlin),
Grace Redmond (Julie’s Bicycle),
Angela Costantino (TBA21, Thyssen-Bornemisza Art Contemporary, Madrid–Vienna),
Fabio Cavallucci (former Director of the Centro Pecci in Prato and the CCA Ujazdowski in Warsaw, and founder and director of Institution).
The programme also features experts in impact investing and sustainable fundraising, including Laura Callanan, Founding Partner of Upstart Co-Lab.
Depending on the level of certification achieved, participants will be able to design and implement sustainability plans, develop KPI systems and ESG reports, coordinate stakeholder engagement processes, build sustainable fundraising and sponsorship plans, or even conduct audits and support organisations in developing increasingly sophisticated and integrated sustainability strategies.
The program is held in English. Consult the detailed programme here.
The course is designed for professionals who manage, advise and lead cultural institutions — museums, theatres, festivals, heritage sites and arts organizations of all sizes.
Cost
Full Program
The full programme costs €1,850 (Second Tier until 5 August 2026: €1,500). Preferential accommodation rates are available for participants attending the residency week in Santa Sofia at this link.
Purchase the full programme here.
Online Program Only
Participation in the online phase only costs €850 (Second Tier until 5 August 2026: €700).
Purchase the online programme here.
Exclusive Discount for IKT Members
IKT members receive an exclusive €200 reduction on the tuition fee for both versions of the Sustainability Manager and Strategist for Cultural Institutions programme:
€500 instead of €700 for the online programme only
€1,300 instead of €1,500 for the complete hybrid programme, including the one-week residency in Santa Sofia.
These prices apply during the current Second Tier tuition period, which is valid until 5 August 2026.
The €200 IKT member reduction will remain valid after 5 August. However, the programme fees will increase in line with the standard pricing schedule, meaning IKT members will then pay €650 instead of €850 for the online programme and €1,650 instead of €1,850 for the complete hybrid programme.
To request the discount code, please email ikt.curatorial@gmail.com. The discount is available to active IKT members whose 2026 membership fees have been paid.
Individual participation grants
Institution offers 20 Individual Participation Grants, each worth 200 EUR, to support participation in the programme. The grant may be applied to either the Online Course or the Full Course. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and grants are awarded until all available places have been allocated. Applicants are invited to submit a short motivation statementand fill out this form.
For further information, please contact: school@institution.it