Sustainability in Cultural Organizations: A Systematic Literature Review

This systematic literature review examines sustainability in Cultural Organizations by synthesizing findings from 88 publications published between 2015 and 2025. These publications have been identified in the Scopus and Google Scholar databases and are evaluated according to the PRISMA 2020 reporting framework. The review investigates three interrelated axes: (i) the integration of multidimensional sustainability (economic, social, environmental) into the management of cultural organizations and its alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals; (ii) digital sustainability communication strategies, with emphasis on the use of social media; and (iii) audience perception and engagement with these initiatives. Findings reveal that environmental and social dimensions dominate the literature, while economic sustainability remains underdeveloped and often only fragmentally integrated. Digital media are recognized as critical communication tools but are used primarily for information dissemination and promotion, with limited application of dialogical or participatory practices. Audience perception emerges as the least theoretically developed research area, despite its decisive role in the effectiveness of sustainability actions. Overall, this review highlights the need for holistic models that connect sustainability strategy, digital communication, and social engagement and proposes a conceptual framework that integrates these three dimensions within the strategic role of cultural organizations.