Our research outlined seven key areas where our collaborative efforts for improvement are urgently needed in order to tackle to climate change:
There is a window of opportunity to create and develop local and regional networks across Europe on issues related to arts/creativity and globalisation issues (e.g. creative industries and climate change). These networks would function as lobbying and advocacy mechanisms to incorporate these important issues into public policies at all levels. It would be a good step forward if the existing European cultural and artistic networks re-evaluated their mission statements in the light of global concerns and looked at mechanisms to address them through the power of their members and activities. Creating such an ‘environmental agenda’ on the level of international artistic and cultural networks and professional associations is an important step towards increasing public awareness and paying an artistic contribution to climate change issues, in a cross-border framework.
The process of engaging the public in issues related to climate change by initiating artistic projects should be encouraged, especially on a local level: in our neighbourhoods, cities and regions. It is important that such local engagement is in a collaborative mode: inspiring connections between arts organisations, non-governmental organisations, businesses engaged in corporate social responsibility, funders providing support to artistic and environmental projects, as well as local government representatives.
Funders at all levels need to take on board the connections between arts and global issues, including climate change. Funding more projects at the grassroots level for arts organisations, especially those partnering with schools and youth organisations, is important to create awareness for future generations on issues related to the health and safety of our planet. There is a need for better collaboration between funders and donors dealing with cultural projects, and those supporting environmental issues.
The work of Julie’s Bicycle suggests a number of different ideas around working with the supply chain for art organisations. For example, the following issues could be addressed when organising international tours:
A single artistic project focused on a creative presentation and/or solution to a global problem can touch millions of people, if promoted well using new technologies. Blogs and online tools featuring arts and climate change have to be promoted beyond the close circles of environmental artists and climate change specialists. A greater public contribution and attention to these ‘online sources of collaborative knowledge’ on the topic is certainly required.
Geoengineering means deliberately altering the atmosphere, land, or ocean to counter the effects of global warming. Geoengineering could provide another short-term strategy for slowing global warming until carbon emissions can be reduced enough to prevent catastrophic climate change. Artistic communities could look more closely at strategies and solutions provided by geoengineers and try to find artistic responses.
Involving young people in issues of global warming and the environment is of utmost importance if we want to tackle global warming. Educational organisations should consider experimental, creative and interactive ways of approaching this topic as part of their curricula. Creating understanding and awareness about sustainability among young people is the responsibility of educational institutions, in close collaboration with all stakeholders, including cultural organisations.
Research results: a collective response
What can we do?
LabforCulture is a partner initiative of the European Cultural Foundation. LabforCulture is grateful for the support provided by its funders.