Festival STROOM sprouts in the Scheldt Valley. We start from the silt of the river and use nature as source of inspiration. The entire Festival focuses on nature and climate, literally through the choice of the concert locations in the Scheldt Valley, but also figuratively in its artistic programme. In that way, we sensitise the audience about current climate issues in an accessible way.

With that in mind, it goes without saying that, as a Festival itself, we treat our environment with respect. We strive to leave as small an ecological footprint as possible on the site, as well as a large musical footprint in the Scheldt Valley National Park! 

© Bjorn Comhaire, Alique van Nes, Jonathan De Maeyer

Participation VOKA Charter Sustainable Entrepreneurship 2023

Using an action plan, based on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, we are taking steps towards a structural, transparant, and sustainable approach, which is carried out by the whole team. We strive for an optimal balance between ecological, economical, and social interests, while limiting our impact on the climate.

Below, you find a short summary of our most important actions. You can read our entire sustainability plan 2023 (in Dutch) here.

Awareness

The tandem of Ghent Festival of Flanders and National Park Scheldt Valley guarantees a strong programme. Ghent Festival of Flanders focuses on qualitative and impactful artistic choices. By interacting with National Park Scheldt Valley, we offer informative discourses. This way, we inform about current climate issues in a fun and accessible way.

Sustainability is part of our DNA

We choose 7 pillars which form the foundation of the sustainability plan. Besides appointing a sustainability manager, we create a sustainable team with the slogan ‘everyone sustainability manager’. We share our values with external partners and suppliers. Our search for collaborations is geared towards acquiring additional know-how and knowledge on specific themes.

The festival strives towards a sustainable mobility policy

Because of the Festival's reach across 24 municipalities, it is not easy to limit kilometres. We encourage our audience to travel as sustainable  as possible: for each Festival location, we list the ecological transport options and through the Slinger platform, we can put visitors in touch with each other to carpool to the Festival. In addition, we give our visitors the necessary tools to cycle to the Festival via cycling network junctions. By choosing home-grown talent, we are also helping to reduce emissions from transporting artists.  With the support of Mertens Audi, we are provided with an electric car fleet, we reduce the CO2 emissions of the festival crew during the festival.

Conscious choices regarding catering

We fully opt for vegetarian catering and map out all local suppliers. Through close contacts with area-based takers of surplus food, we combat food waste.

Circular approach

STROOM has a timeless campaign image: on digital carriers, we can keep varying this whilst our printed material carriers do not easily become dated. When purchasing materials, we opt for longevity, with an eye on annual reuse . All materials are carefully inventoried. With the help of Hitch, we  also been welcoming our audience to a beautiful modular counter since 2024.

Good eco system

With ticket buyers' donations, we choose to invest in a project benefiting climate, biodiversity and/or socio-ecology, such as the STROOM forest and the 'Schans van Landmolen'. We limit our impact as much as possible by engaging in dialogue with the Nature & Forest Agency, local environmental services, etc....

Promoting psychosocial well-being

Engaging and supporting local social life gives STROOM even more momentum. Our crew is made up of volunteers from local associations and students. Fancy helping out? Be sure to send an email to crew@festival.be

Accessibility of each venue is described on the event page. If you have specific requests or questions, feel free to contact our colleague at toegankelijkheid@festival.be. To keep our events as accessible as possible, the concerts on the riverbank are free of charge.