The Salzburg Festival and Austrian water purification company BWT have ended their five-year sponsorship agreement, marking the close of a partnership initially praised for its commitment to sustainability[[1]]. The collaboration, which began four years ago, focused on eliminating single-use plastics at the renowned arts festival and signaled a broader commitment to environmental obligation. While the partnership has concluded,the festival reports increased sponsorship revenue and has secured new support for future programming[[2]].
The Salzburg Festival has ended its five-year sponsorship agreement with BWT, an Austrian water purification company, effective immediately. The partnership, which began four years ago, was initially lauded for its commitment to environmental sustainability, particularly the elimination of single-use plastic bottles at the prestigious arts event.
BWT’s sponsorship aligned with the festival’s goals of reducing environmental impact, and in 2021, festival officials stated the collaboration was more than just financial. They aimed to address “the careless handling of the treasures of this earth,” echoing a call to action from director Peter Sellars in 2019.
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Festival Eliminated Single-Use Plastics
The festival announced Friday that the sponsorship agreement concluded as planned after the initial five-year term. The partnership successfully eliminated single-use plastic bottles from festival grounds, a key objective of the collaboration.
Festival President Helga Rabl-Stadler previously described the partnership as a significant statement in support of environmental protection, and BWT provided 60 water dispensers for artists and staff, as well as beverage dispensing systems for catering.
The Salzburg Festival emphasized that its sponsorship revenue has steadily increased in recent years through contributions from sponsors, patrons, and private donations. The festival has secured Würth as a new principal sponsor and highlighted the support of philanthropist John Studzinski, who will generously fund the “Ouverture Spirituelle” for the next five years.
BWT Founder Calls Collaboration a Success
Andreas Weissenbacher, founder of BWT, stated that the goal of eliminating single-use plastic and glass bottles had been achieved. “We are grateful for the trusting and constructive cooperation, which contributed significantly to achieving this goal. With the completion of the project, we consider our task fulfilled. Our appreciation for the Salzburg Festival remains high.”
The company’s personal sponsorship of actor Philipp Hochmair, who plays the role of Jedermann, will continue despite the end of the broader festival partnership, according to reports from the Kronenzeitung newspaper.
