Pastoo

Throughout the year, thanks to various socio-cultural mediation projects, the non-profit organisation continues to collaborate with local actors: community centre, youth centre, IPPJ, neighbourhood authority, reception centre for asylum seekers, etc.

All the teams within the non-profit organisation Pastoo strive to think - before, during and after - each event so that it is part of a sustainable approach. A true pioneer in terms of sustainability in Belgium, the LaSemo festival has implemented many measures for more than 15 years: the introduction of reusable cups (which have become Ecocup, a reference in the sector), dry toilets (which have become Green Corner Toilets), waste reduction and sorting work, a scenography based on recovered materials, carbon footprint offsetting... Many of these measures have served as examples and continue to inspire many industry players and the general public every year.

A sustainable department within the non-profit organisation was created in 2020 in order to structure the many past and future initiatives. In 2021, the LaSemo festival was one of the first to offer reusable tableware to festival-goers, thus significantly reducing the volume of waste. Also, a major reflection has been launched for the next few years concerning mobility, thus aiming to reduce the carbon footprint by offering festival-goers alternatives to cars.

The social pillar of sustainable development is a priority for Pastoo and that is why she fights against the image of elitist culture and defends the idea of a culture for all. Throughout the year, Pastoo works to facilitate access to its events for certain vulnerable audiences: people in financial difficulty, people with different types of physical and/or mental disabilities, etc.

For several years, a great deal of work has been done on accessibility to all audiences. The non-profit organisation collaborates with associations active in the field of disability (non-profit organisation Altéo, Almagic, Gratte, etc.) to provide the most optimal possible welcome for disabled people and people with reduced mobility (road plates, sufficient volunteers to take care of these people, translation of concerts into sign language, induction loops, raised podiums, etc.).

In a process of social inclusion and cultural accessibility, the non-profit organisation offers shows in hospitals, retirement homes, IPPJ and Red Cross reception centre for asylum seekers, in order to involve audiences who have more difficult access to culture and who do not necessarily travel...