Uniting the visual arts sector in taking rapid, ambitious, and meaningful action on the climate and nature crisis.
22 September 2023
Uniting the visual arts sector in taking rapid, ambitious, and meaningful action on the climate and nature crisis.
Leading art sector partners have founded an alliance committed to developing a charter that aligns the global art sector with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the goals of the United Nations Paris Agreement. Art Charter for Climate Action will become a network of networks uniting visual art sector stakeholders and initiatives from across the globe to take meaningful action on the climate and nature crisis.
The alliance will strive for environmental values to become central to sector practices; to reduce the negative environmental impacts of developing, producing, transporting, and exhibiting visual art; to support sector adaptation and resilience; and drive for a more green, fair and environmentally just transition.
The founding alliance are the International Committee for Museums and Collections of Modern Art (CIMAM), Julie’s Bicycle, Gallery Climate Coalition (GCC), and ART 2030, who have a combined reach of over 1000 members in over 70 countries. It is our belief that only by working together can we make a lasting impact on how the art sector functions and facilitate a system change that aspires to influence global public activity and political systems.
Art Charter for Climate Action will be a democratic and inclusive alliance representing both the public and commercial visual art sectors whilst also serving as a bridge to United Nations political action. Artists, museums, galleries, academics, commercial industry and production, NGOs, and sector knowledge holders from all over the world will be invited to sign and benefit from the Art Charter for Climate Action and commit to taking action to support the transition.
With the support of experts on climate science and chaired by leading organizations and individuals in their respective fields, several Working Groups will develop frameworks for reaching the targets, aligned with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Climate Action Pathways.
By promoting existing tools and resources; sharing knowledge and best practice from across the sector; and utilizing the power of art to drive people’s imaginations for climate action and sustainable solutions, the Art Charter for Climate Action has the power to inform and inspire positive change.
Friday 22 September 2023 – Official announcement of the establishment of the Founding Alliance at the SGD Media Zone in the UN Plaza, New York during the UN General Assembly and Climate Week.
Friday 19 April 2024 – Launch of the Art Charter for Climate Action at the opening week of Venice Biennale.
FOUNDING ALLIANCE
CIMAM is the only global network of modern and contemporary art museum experts in the field. CIMAM members are directors and curators working in modern and contemporary art museums, collections, and archives. CIMAM’s aim is to foster a global network of museums and museum professionals in the field of modern and contemporary art to raise awareness and respond to the evolving needs of modern and contemporary art museums, and to take a leadership role on issues of concern.
Represented by:
- Suhanya Raffel – President of CIMAM; Director, M+, Hong Kong
- Suzanne Cotter – CIMAM Board member; Director, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Sydney, Australia
- Malgorzata Ludwisiak – CIMAM Board member; Artistic Director, The Museum of Modern Art in Warsaw, Poland
- Joselina Cruz – CIMAM Board member; Director/Curator, Museum of Contemporary Art and Design (MCAD) Manila, Philippines
- Inés Jover – CIMAM Executive Director
Julie’s Bicycle is a pioneering not-for-profit, mobilising the arts and culture to take action on the climate, nature and justice crisis. Combining cultural and environmental expertise, Julie’s Bicycle focuses on high-impact programmes and policy change to meet the climate crisis head-on.
Represented by:
- Alison Tickell, Founder & CEO
- Claire Buckley, Environmental Sustainability Consultant
GCC is an international membership organisation providing environmental sustainability guidelines for the art sector. GCC’s core activities are providing sector-specific sustainability guidance, lobbying for systemic change, and fundraising for frontline climate initiatives
Represented by:
- Heath Lowndes, Managing Director
ART 2030 is a non-profit organization working with a mission to connect art and the United Nations 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development. Centered in the belief that art can open people’s hearts, minds, and imaginations to inspire action for our planet, ART 2030 facilitates large scale art installations, events and experiences, alongside public programming, digital campaigns, and political advocacy.
Represented by:
- Luise Faurschou, Founder & CEO
- Rhian Addison McCreanor, Project Manager for Art Charter for Climate Action
For all enquiries, please contact Rhian Addison McCreanor – rhian@art2030.org