Research and Practical Resources
Explore research, guidelines, methodologies, and practical tools to support sustainable museum practices.
Creative Shifts: Empowering Culture for Sustainable Living
This report examines the contribution of culture, creativity and the arts to a fair, inclusive and equitable green transition. Produced by an EU Open Method of Coordination group of Member State experts during 2024–2025, it explores the cultural and creative sectors' potential to raise awareness, encourage behavioural change and advance sustainability, while also addressing the need to reduce their own environmental footprint.
Objects as Temporal Entities
Developed by Sustainable Curating, this project examines the tension between museums' responsibility to preserve collections and the energy and materials required for their conservation. Recognising that artworks and cultural objects inevitably change and deteriorate over time, it offers interconnected guides, artworks, flowcharts and a solar-powered archive to encourage more sustainable approaches to collection care.
International Research Alliance on Public Funding for Museums
The International Research Alliance on Public Funding for Museums (IRAPFM) has undertaken a global study of museum public funding, examining financial challenges, regional trends and institutional responses. Led by the Université du Québec à Montréal and supported by international researchers, the resulting report identifies policy recommendations and priorities for strengthening museums' long-term financial sustainability.
ICOM Museums and Chill – Museums, Climate Change and Representation
This episode of ICOM's Museums and Chill podcast features climate justice creative and strategist Suzanne Dhaliwal discussing the role of museums in responding to the climate crisis. Recorded in London following a Serpentine event, the conversation addresses Indigenous, Black and people-of-colour representation, creative collaboration and ethical questions surrounding institutional funding.
Mental Health and Well-being in Cultural Mobility
Published by On the Move, this report examines the psychological and structural challenges experienced by artists and cultural professionals working internationally. Drawing on a dedicated webinar and expert interviews, it identifies pressures and inequalities associated with transnational mobility, alongside its professional and cultural benefits.
Das Grüne Museum – KUNST HAUS WIEN
KUNST HAUS WIEN approaches environmental sustainability as an institutional responsibility, applying ecological principles to both visible and behind-the-scenes museum operations. Its practices prioritise responsible resource use, repair and environmentally conscious purchasing, while its public programmes seek to encourage sustainability across the wider cultural sector.
Climate Action for Curators
Climate Action for Curators supports curators receiving Teiger Foundation funding in working with artists, colleagues and audiences to reduce the environmental impact of their projects. The programme combines practical environmental responsibility with opportunities to strengthen climate awareness through curatorial practice.
ICOM Award for Sustainable Development Practice in Museums
An international award recognising innovative museum initiatives and exemplary practices that contribute to sustainable development. Established by ICOM, it is the organisation's first award open to its entire membership.
Strategies for Reducing the Carbon Impact of Temporary and Touring Exhibitions
This research report investigates strategies for reducing carbon emissions associated with the design and construction of temporary and touring exhibitions in UK museums and galleries. It analyses current professional practices, obstacles to decarbonisation, the effectiveness of carbon calculators and opportunities for developing sector-wide guidance.
Board Environmental Champions Programme
Developed by Julie's Bicycle, the Environmental Champions Programme supports eligible arts organisations in embedding environmental responsibility within institutional governance. Designed for Arts Council England-funded organisations, it aims to strengthen sustainability planning, reduce environmental impacts and integrate environmental commitments into board-level decision-making.
Sustainability in Conservation
Sustainability in Conservation (SiC), associated with Ki Culture and founded by Caitlin Southwick, promotes environmental awareness and sustainable approaches to cultural heritage conservation. The initiative encourages conservation professionals and institutions to reconsider materials, processes and working practices in response to environmental challenges.
Culture for the Planet
Culture for the Planet is a research project based at the University of Lausanne, Switzerland, dedicated to developing frameworks and practical tools that support more ambitious and systematic sustainability action across the cultural sector.
GREENART
GREENART is a European research initiative developing environmentally sustainable materials and methods for the preservation, conservation and restoration of cultural heritage. It aims to establish new standards for conservation practice while exploring the application of these technologies in other industries.
Sustainable Arts
Sustainable Arts is a Swiss-based platform offering practical guidance to reduce the environmental impact of cultural projects. Drawing partly on sustainability initiatives developed within the film industry, it provides checklists, guidelines, handbooks and digital resources that can also be adapted to other artistic and cultural activities.
NAVA – Gender Equity: Good Practice Recommendations
The National Association for the Visual Arts (NAVA) provides ethical recommendations for advancing gender equity within Australia's visual arts sector. Its Code of Practice addresses representation, professional opportunities and fair remuneration for women, trans, non-binary and gender-diverse artists, while encouraging institutions to examine structural gender inequalities.