UPBEAT | Budapest RITMO

UPBEAT is the European showcase platform for world music.

UPBEAT – the European Showcase Platform for World Music is a growing network of festivals founded in 2022. The platform, co-funded by the European Union and coordinated by Hangvető supports European world musicians, festivals and professionals, with a focus on sustainability and talent discovery. We are a support system for the most prominent and promising European world music showcases and festivals. We shape the future of the European music industry by supporting new talent, music in original language, and by facilitating stronger connections between local professionals. We also support sustainable developments. Our quest is to ensure a thriving and forward thinking world music scene in Europe, with a wide artistic and social impact, for the benefit of artists, festivals and audiences alike.

The Budapest Ritmo Showcase and conference programme is supported by UPBEAT.

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Budapest Ritmo: Our Commitment to Sustainability

At Budapest Ritmo, a member of UPBEAT, The Showcase Platform for World Music, we are committed to being more green and sustainable every year.
We believe that celebrating music and culture should go hand in hand with protecting our planet. That’s why we are continuously working to make our festival more sustainable, reducing our environmental footprint.

What We’ve Achieved So Far

Less Waste: We have significantly reduced the amount of printed materials and use reusable decorations, and we also offer refillable bottles for delegates minimizing event waste.
Eco-Friendly Transport: We encourage all guests, artists, and delegates to use public transport between venues, reducing ground transport emissions.
Sustainable Catering: We have already taken steps to minimize the environmental impact of our food services and are committed to further improvements.

Our Sustainability Commitments

Transparent Monitoring & Goals: We will monitor our environmental impact—including travel, food, and ground transport—setting clear, achievable sustainability targets each year.
No Packaged Water: We are eliminating bottled water for conference attendees, replacing it with water stations and reusable bottles.
Greener Catering: We are working towards serving at least 2/3 vegan or vegetarian meals for delegates and aiming to reintroduce red meat-free catering.
Sustainable Travel Choices: We prioritize low-emission travel options for delegates and provide information on reducing travel impact.
Eco-Friendly Ground Transport: We are promoting public transport in Budapest and seeking partnerships to provide electric or hybrid transport solutions where public transport is not feasible.

UPBEAT is an alliance of festivals supporting emerging artists through showcases, to create a diverse music industry right here in Europe. UPBEAT also supports European festivals in reaching their sustainability goals.

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