From May 2 to 4, the Montreal Climate Summit and the Canadian Summit on the Future of Arts, Culture and Heritage will be held. This is a unique momentum to unequivocally affirm the crucial role of the cultural sector in the fight against climate change and in a just and humane ecological transition. As the Mayor of Montreal recently declared: “Culture is one of the pillars of a green and inclusive recovery! »
Posted at 12:00 p.m.
Despite the pandemic and the upheavals caused to the environment, many Montreal artists and cultural organizations – many of whom collaborate with environmental organizations and researchers within Culture Montréal’s new Standing Committee on Culture and Ecological Transition – continue their commitment. for a green and united transition. They rely on the power of the arts to reconnect humans around unique and shared experiences that touch the heart, transform values or stimulate environmental and social commitment. The rapid adoption of the necessary changes, both individually and collectively, will require mobilization and profound social transformation for which culture can be a powerful driving force.
For decades, artists have been creating works that raise public awareness of environmental issues and question preconceptions. A resurgence of initiatives and questions around the sector’s contribution and effects on climate change is taking place. The Commission embraces this movement, which is also observed internationally. It creates a place for exchanges aimed at bringing cultural and environmental ecosystems closer together, at reducing the impact of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the sector and at promoting the latter as a player in transformation.
If artists’ freedom of creation and commitment remains untouchable, those who choose to get involved can respond to a lack decried by many in the scientific and environmental communities, namely the absence of a common narrative.
Through their creativity, they have the power to tell and imagine the society of tomorrow and can give the general public the impetus to embark on the battle, even to make the necessary sacrifices.
By addressing an attentive, curious and open public, the cultural sector also has the potential to raise awareness and influence behavior with regard to climate issues and biodiversity. It also mobilizes and connects people at the neighborhood level, thereby increasing resilience and social ties. Theatre, music, visual or digital arts, literature: the cultural offer is full of committed works, museums or festivals that are part of the transition.
Culture also has a role to play in terms of eco-responsibility and reduction of GHG emissions generated.
The movement of artists and audiences, the effect of waste produced by productions or the digitization of works are some of the challenges that the community is already tackling through pooling projects, circular practices or green certifications.
Funders are deploying programs dedicated to eco-responsibility, while the CRE-Montréal Gala is awarding a new Coup de coeur prize – Culture and ecological transition.
Due to the many challenges awaiting us, it is important to ensure the conditions for a lasting cultural revival. It is also crucial that culture be recognized, valued and integrated into cross-sectoral discussions on climate change and the search for solutions with a mixed impact on its recovery.
We, members of the Standing Committee on Culture and Ecological Transition, are committed to doing our part and playing an active role in making the ecological transition a success. We call on artists and cultural organizations to join the movement and on governments, society and the public to take the necessary decisions to adopt the IPCC recommendations. Without hesitation, we answer “Present! to the Montreal Climate Partnership’s call to join this new era of climate ambition that is part of the city’s DNA.
* Emmanuelle Hebert is director of strategic development and partnerships, Campus of ecological transition; Pablo Maneyrol is Director, Institutional Affairs, TOHU
1 Consult the complete list of signatories: https://culturemontreal.ca/lettre-transition-ecologique-et-culture/