Be SpectACTive is a production/oriented, action/research and artistic-led project characterized by an experimental audience-centric approach in the performing arts. Based on the experience of the first edition, the project aims to strengthen a complex system of replicable practices directed to engage the audiences in the performing arts sector, giving to the citizens/spectators an active role, thanks to offline and online actions and strategies.

Inspired by a strong trans-local perspective, the project establishes bridges between the cities and the countries, in the idea of a more inclusive and trans-cultural Europe. BS will be implemented throughout:

• The production of 15 new theatre/dance shows. The entire production process will be implemented supporting the artists from the artistic research, passing through a widespread system of residencies and open rehearsals, to the distribution across the cities of the network;
• Co-programming, co-managing and co-commissioning activities will be pursued with the aim to extend the experience of active spectatorship from the art programming, to the organizational level, until a proper form of bottom-up art commissioning;
• Improving the notion of Peer Learning Network, focused on the idea of being a peer and cooperative learning project, based on the exchange of practices, concrete actions and tools devoted to the acquisition of skills and competencies across the network;
• The development of an action research project which will accompany all the previous areas and will provide insights, recommendations and final evaluation of the effects of the practices implemented.

All these activities will foster a virtuous online and offline exchange between artists, citizens, professionals giving also a space for the implementation of new professional figures. As affirmed by Charles Leadbeater in “The Art of With”: “Cultural activities have undergone a shift from production to or for the audiences to creation with audiences”. (Source: EAC.)