Culture connects conversation: sustainability in the performing arts

Across the UK and Ireland, concerns are mounting on how to work in ways that align with climate adaption and sustainable practices in the arts. Across the islands, there is a recognised need for greater engagement, collaboration and discussion on how policy and practice can address these important issues. There is also growing awareness of the shared and distinct challenges this poses for a shared islands (North, South and East, West) approach.

Cross-border (North, South) and cross-channel (East, West) cooperation within the broad performing arts sector has shown attention to this issue through a range of shared discussions and initiatives. Previous work done in this area has also identified policy and resourcing issues (Green Arts Initiative, Arts Council Ireland’s work with Julie’s Bicycle, APAC) and action on greening venues and arts centres in Ireland. In Northern Ireland, this work is ongoing.
British Council Ireland, in partnership with University College Dublin (UCD) and Queens University Belfast (QUB) hosted this Culture Connects conversation with policymakers, practitioners and producers in the performing arts, drawn from across the UK and Ireland, in order to connect cultural professionals on this issue and provide a space for a frank discussion on concerns, hopes and actions in this space. This report captures the high-level discussion from this session and at the end of the report there are a series of links to further resources that you may find helpful.