What is Sustainable Arts Wales?

Sustainable Arts Wales grew out of the increasing imperative to address the climate and biodiversity crises.

Sustainability is now at the heart of policy in Wales, both in government and private sector. All now agree that it is an urgent issue requiring new thinking and behaviours.

The arts, and in particular performing arts and film/tv, can be guilty of significant energy use, waste generation, and poor working conditions. But the arts may have a unique contribution to make towards building a sustainable future, as defined in the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act (Wales).

There are some great precedents in the UK of sustainable arts organisations that are achieving commendable progress - for example SAIL in Leeds, GMAST in Manchester, and Creative Carbon in Scotland. We plan to create something similar, in Wales.

Our vision is for a new network that will:

  • be a resource for skills, know-how, and case studies
  • be a campaigning voice and goal-setting focal point
  • facilitate networking and collaboration
  • provide training and advice
  • secure discounts for members for services/supplies

We will set 10-year objectives for the arts sector such as:

  • achieving zero carbon in production - and work with the principle of 'insetting' not offsetting
  • meeting circular economy principles with zero waste to landfill
  • enhancing natural capital and zero pollution of air, land and water
  • enabling co-creation with local communities, nurturing wellbeing and inclusive participation
  • facilitating the arts as a driver of social and behavioural change

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Who's involved in it's early stage development?

The initiators of the network were all part of the GALWAD  production team, and between them have extensive sector experience:

Jacob Gough

An experienced production, operations and executive director, with skills including policy, strategy and financial management in the arts for over 20 years.
He was the Executive Director for GALWAD.

Bethan Davies

Project Manager and Production and Operations Manager working in the creative arts, focusing primarily on live performance and theatre in non-traditional and outdoor spaces.
She was Head of Production for GALWAD.

 

Simon Michaels

A sustainability advisor, with particular expertise in environmental planning, impact assessment & mitigation, responsible business, food and wellbeing.
He was co-Sustainability and Impacts Manager for GALWAD.

Ruth Stringer

A set and costume designer and advocate for sustainability in the performance industry,  implementing A circular economy when sourcing and disposing of set and costume materials.
She was co-Sustainability and Impacts Manager for GALWAD.

We are working closely with Emrys Barnes of The Emergency Room on SAW establishment.