By Faridat Salifu
UN Climate Change has announced a groundbreaking collaboration with the global Art Charter for Climate Action (ACCA) during the recent Hope Forum at the 60th Venice Biennale international art exhibition.
This alliance marks a significant step towards uniting the arts and entertainment sectors in catalyzing transformative climate action.
The ACCA will serve as the visual arts pillar of UN Climate Change’s Entertainment & Culture for Climate Action alliance, with a focus on accelerating the transition of arts, film, music, and related sectors towards reduced greenhouse gas emissions. The partnership aims to inspire climate action beyond the sector through artistic expression and innovation.
Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change, emphasized the urgency of transformative climate action across all sectors to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement.
He highlighted the critical role of arts and culture in inspiring individuals to envision and realize a low-carbon, just, and climate-resilient future.
The Art Charter for Climate Action boasts over 1,000 members across 70 countries, committed to leveraging creativity, science-based information, and collaboration to drive system-wide change.
Key areas of focus for the visual arts sector include international freight, energy consumption, packaging and recycling, and digital initiatives.
Luise Faurschou, Director of the non-profit ART 2030 and Steering Committee member of ACCA, underscored the initiative’s groundbreaking nature in mobilizing the entire visual art sector towards greenhouse gas reduction and transitioning to net-zero emissions.
The Hope Forum event, hosted by ACCA founding member ART 2030, featured contributions from prominent figures in the art sector, including acclaimed artists such as Olafur Eliasson, Cecilia Vicuña, and Ai Weiwei.
Additionally, representatives from institutions like Christie’s and the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao shared efforts to minimize emissions and waste across the art supply chain.
Frances Morris, Director Emerita of the Tate Modern, endorsed the ACCA-UN Climate Change partnership, envisioning ACCA as a common framework and network for a green and just transition within the visual arts sector.
The founding organizations of the Art Charter include ART 2030, the Gallery Climate Coalition, the International Committee for Museums and Collections of Modern Art (CIMAM), and Julie’s Bicycle.
Interested stakeholders worldwide are encouraged to join the Art Charter for Climate Action’s Community to access resources, knowledge, and capacities for collaborative engagement.