Arts Council puts Culture and Climate in the spotlight at Queen’s

This event explored current insight and thinking on climate action, with contributions from Climate NI, Green Arts NI, artists and art venues. Ben Twist from Culture for Climate Scotland independently chaired the day, co-facilitated by Ali FitzGibbon from Queen’s.

Today’s event is framed by the Northern Ireland Action Plan and statutory obligations under the Climate Change Act (NI).

Javier Stanziola, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, commented: “Like other sectors, arts and cultural organisations need to examine what role we can play to positively contribute to the conversations on climate change.
“It’s been really useful today to hear about some of the initiatives happening in other parts of the UK from some local arts organisations who have already taken those critical first steps in exploring what they can do, assessing their buildings, productions and business practice to bring about positive change and reduce the impact on climate. We want to take the ideas from this initial conversation and establish a route map for joint efforts, so that together we can address the challenges ahead.”

Ali FitzGibbon, a researcher in arts management and cultural policy at Queen’s noted: “These moments when researchers, artists and practitioners and public bodies come together to work collaboratively are really important and at the heart of Queen’s work on the sustainability agenda. We are a meeting place of knowledge, creativity and imagination, especially when we work in these partnership approaches. This is the first of many more steps on the road to a sustainable and regenerative future for our culture and creativity.”