How Modern and Contemporary Art Museums Act to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals?

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18 May 2023

In January 2022, CIMAM initiated the research project "Climate, Social, and Economic Sustainability: How Modern and Contemporary Art Museums Act to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals." The project aimed to assess the commitment of these museums to the United Nations 2030 Agenda's Sustainable Development Goals. The study also sought to incorporate social and economic aspects into the Environmental Sustainability Toolkit for Museum Practice.

This significant update is the result of a study led by the CIMAM’s Working Group on Sustainability and Ecology in Museum Practice. 

The study involved professionals from the global modern and contemporary art museum sector. Their contributions unveiled the diverse socio-political contexts in which museums operate and the subsequent impact on their ability to develop sustainability plans aligned with the ambitions of the UN Agenda 2030.

Thanks to the collaboration of the 88 professionals from all continents who took part in the survey launched in 2022, CIMAM has updated its Toolkit on Sustainable Museum Practices.

Three sustainability experts were invited to evaluate the results:

  • Caitlin Southwick, Director and founder of Ki Culture, provided insight and conclusion in analysing the social aspects of the survey.
  • Henry McGhie, Director and founder of Curating Tomorrow, helped assess progress towards environmental goals.
  • Martin Müller, Professor at the Department of Geography and Sustainability at the University of Lausanne, gave his critical opinion on the evolution towards greener economies of the museums surveyed.

The responses to the survey highlight the need for an international reference that encourages the exchange of inspiring good practices. This will enable museums around the world to reorient or embark on a path toward more sustainable practices in the environmental, social, and economic dimensions.

While modern and contemporary art museums are in the early stages of sustainable development, they possess a unique opportunity to establish themselves as exemplars of best practices, contributing their perspectives to global discussions on human rights, social justice, and climate-related issues. Sustainability, rooted in universal respect for life and human rights, demands that museums adopt this ethos as their modus operandi to the best of their abilities.

This expanded version of the CIMAM Toolkit on Sustainability in the Museum Practice is a comprehensive resource that covers the social, environmental, and economic aspects of sustainability, combining advice and real-world experience from museums around the world. It is a practical international resource based on the principles of human rights: equity, inclusion, diversity, justice, environmental respect, and sustainable economic growth. Modern and contemporary art museums can draw inspiration from this valuable resource.

→ Toolkit on Sustainability in the Museum Practice

→ Read here the survey findings on how modern and contemporary art museums are responding to the Sustainable Development Goals set in the Agenda 2030 by the UN.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  • Aims of the study
  • Methodology
  • Assessment from three experts
    • Caitlin Southwick
    • Henry McGhie
    • Martin Müller
  • Findings
  • Brakes, paths, and opportunities to develop sustainable practices in Museums
  1. The social aspect of sustainability: diversity, equity, & inclusion (dei) and education.
    SDG 4: Quality Education
    SDG 5: Gender Equality
    SDG 10: Reducing inequalities
  2. The environmental aspect of sustainability: climate justice and awareness, emissions and waste reduction, and responsible consumption.
    SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
    SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production
    SDG 13: Climate Action
  3. The economic aspect of sustainability: working conditions, local and circular economy, and ethical sponsorships that pursue sustainable objectives.
    SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth
    SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and strong institutions
    SDG 17: Partnership for Achieving the Goals
  • List of survey respondents

The 2023–25 CIMAM’s Sustainability and Ecology in Museum Practice working group consists of CIMAM Board members:

  • Suzanne Cotter (Chair), Director Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Sydney
  • Suhanya Raffel, Director, M+ Museum, Hong Kong
  • Malgorzata Ludwisiak, Artistic Director, The Museum of Modern Art, Warsaw
  • Clara M. Kim, Chief Curator and Director of Curatorial Affairs, MOCA, Los Angeles
  • Kitty Scott, Independent Curator, Ottawa
  • Leevi Happala, Museum Director, Dr. Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma, Helsinki
  • Joselina Cruz, Director/Curator Museum of Contemporary of Art and Design, Manila

This survey project was originated by the CIMAM Sustainability and Ecology in Museum Practice working group 2020─22 led by CIMAM Board members: Frances Morris (Chair), Suhanya Raffel, Suzanne Cotter, Mami Kataoka, Malgorzata Ludwisiak, Ann-Sofi Noring, Victoria Noorthoorn, and Rhana Devenport.

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