A Manifesto for Innovation in the Performing Arts

The performing arts is an industry built on passion, stories, creativity, and the pursuit of artistic excellence. It’s where talent meets dedication, and tradition coexists with the power to inspire and offer perspective. But as the world evolves, the performing arts risk being left behind, not because we lack talent or vision but because we have been slow to embrace innovation. Too slow.

This is a call to action.

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The time has come for the performing arts to step boldly into the future. To thrive in an increasingly digital and interconnected world, we must set aside outdated practices and embrace the tools that will empower us to elevate our craft, reach wider audiences, and support the next generation of artists.

The Stakes Are High

The performing arts are not immune to change. Audiences are consuming content differently, competition for attention is fierce, and the industry’s infrastructure is strained by inefficiency.

Clinging to “how we’ve always done it” is not just impractical—it’s unsustainable. The world is moving forward, and if we do not adapt, we will risk irrelevance in a landscape dominated by industries that have embraced innovation.

The Financial Reality

For decades, the performing arts have relied heavily on subsidies to survive. But in today’s unpredictable political climate, these subsidies are increasingly at risk. This financial uncertainty makes it essential for the industry to anticipate and find ways to reduce costs while maintaining, or even increasing its output.

Innovation holds the key. By streamlining processes, cutting inefficiencies, and adopting cost-effective solutions, we can direct precious resources toward what truly matters: creating transformative art, telling stories, supporting artists, and contributing our essential perspective to society.

The performing arts are not just entertainment; they are a reflection of humanity. By embracing innovation, we can ensure our vital contribution continues, even in the face of economic and political challenges.

Innovation Fuels Creativity

Innovation doesn’t replace artistry; it amplifies it. By embracing technology, the performing arts can:

• Streamline Processes: Save time and resources with tools designed specifically for the sector.

• Elevate Artists: Provide performers with platforms that showcase their talent and connect them to opportunities.

• Reach New Audiences: Leverage data and digital tools to build and engage diverse audiences worldwide.

• Foster Collaboration: Break down silos, enabling seamless communication and teamwork across companies, disciplines, and geographies.

When we remove inefficiencies and distractions, we free artists and organizations to focus on their core mission: creating and sharing art that moves and inspires.

Ego vs. Evolution

One of the greatest barriers to innovation in the arts is ego—the belief that we can do it all ourselves, that we don’t need external expertise, and that tradition alone is enough to carry us forward.

But let’s be honest: creating advanced systems to support our industry—whether for auditions, production management, distribution or audience engagement—is complex and resource-intensive. Building in-house solutions drains time, money, and energy that could be better spent on what truly matters: the artists and their craft.

Trusting companies like Lanced, built by artists for the performing arts, is not an admission of weakness—it’s a commitment to growth. It’s recognizing that innovation is a collaborative effort, one that requires specialized expertise and a shared vision for a stronger, more sustainable future.

The Future of the Performing Arts is Collaborative

Companies like mine, Lanced, exist to serve the performing arts because we believe in its power to transform lives. We are not outsiders; we are artists, industry experts, and innovators who understand the unique challenges of this sector.

By trusting innovative initiatives like Lanced, the performing arts can do more than survive—they can lead. We can show the world how tradition and technology can coexist to create something extraordinary.

The Call to Action

The performing arts cannot afford to stand still. It’s time to put aside egos, embrace collaboration, and invest in the future. Together, we can ensure this industry continues to inspire, innovate, and thrive for generations to come.

Trust in innovation. Trust in collaboration.

Let’s leap together, shall we?

-Wouter