Italian Opera Houses in Search of Cultural Sustainability: A Human-Centered Approach

This study aims to explore sustainability in the performing arts through a human-centered lens, focusing on Italian Opera houses and the perspectives of both current and potential audiences. It emphasizes how these institutions can nurture social inclusion and raise public awareness to broaden their audience base, all while maintaining financial viability and fostering stakeholder well-being. Adopting a mixed-methods approach—encompassing a literature review, desk analysis, and a quantitative survey—this research uncovers that Italian Opera houses—as part of a creative sector—have struggled to achieve economic sustainability. Moreover, attempts to expand their audience solely by promoting social inclusion and environmental sustainability have not been entirely successful. Findings highlight various barriers that compromise inclusivity; for instance, many attendees perceive ticket prices and the exclusive location of venues in major cities as key obstacles to participation. Although the study’s scope is specific to Italian Opera houses and may not directly apply to other cultural contexts, it offers essential human-centered insights into how economic viability intersects with audience motivations. By recognizing individuals’ needs, values, and barriers to engagement, the research underscores the importance of empathetic and inclusive management practices that can resonate with a broader demographic. Ultimately, this work provides guidance for policymakers, cultural managers, and opera and symphony foundations seeking to adopt human-centered strategies to enhance sustainability, social inclusion, and audience engagement. Through a focus on stakeholder well-being and collaborative approaches, Italian Opera houses can develop stronger connections with the public and secure a more sustainable future.