Integrating costs within the institution’s cost structure
When planning the implementation of recommendations and proposals, stop for a while and consider the activities your institution plans to carry out in the next year and in the next few years ahead. Together with the green team create a proposal for integrating eco-priorities within the planned projects. As far as possible, discuss the implementation of greening policies with all staff members. Together, find a space for pro-environmental activities within the projects. Also use this approach when looking for extra funding. Instead of creating new projects, include ecological transformation within the institution’s programme. Look for alliances and coalitions, share the costs. When you decide to make an investment, consider a number of factors ensuring longevity of the items and services acquired and the widest possible range of potential uses exceeding the interests of just one institution. (see: ECO-ETHICS OF COOPERATION)
Hard equipment and soft competences
When looking for investment funds consider the balance between hard and soft resources. Photovoltaic panels and reusable water systems are all important projects which would definitely contribute to the ecologically responsible functioning of institutions. However, equally as important as hardware infrastructure investments are soft solutions based on developing staff members’ competences and raising their ecological awareness.
When looking for grants, pay special attention to those funding the exchange of experiences. Observe processes of change in other institutions as well. The Centre for Contemporary Art Ujazdowski Castle, Zamek Cultural Centre in Poznań and the Other Space Foundation have been training their employees on eco-education in the art and culture sector as part of the EU Erasmus + programme. The above-mentioned consortium shares its experiences with foreign institutions such as City Minded, the Climate Museum and the Finnish Museum Association, exchanging good practices. Remember to share your new investments and competences with local networks. Avoid making equipment and knowledge available to just one institution.
How to look for grants?
Follow the competitions from local authority, government and EU programmes. It is worth checking Operational Programme Infrastructure and Environment, Active Citizens Programme, the LIFE Programme, Erasmus+. Take a closer look at URBACT, a programme which supports local institutional leaders and cities in an integrated sustainable development scheme. A few Polish cities have already benefited from it, e.g. Wrocław. As part of this programme, Wrocław City Hall and cultural institutions from Wrocław have been working together to implement ecological transformation in culture. Engage in direct cooperation with particular offices of City Hall, e.g. those responsible for climate policies or EU programmes. Bear in mind that the EU aims to be climate-neutral by 2050. Behind this declaration lies the European Green Deal, which provides specific amounts to support this transformation. Follow the news on this topic. You can also consult the guidelines issued by foreign organisations or networks which were established to support social and urban transformation with sustainable development in mind. Julie’s Bicycle has compiled a list of foundations supporting cultural organisations and institutions, which you can find on their website.
Other examples of grants which promote green activities in culture:
> International and European grants database.
> Polish grants database.
> CultureEU (2021-2027).
Grant providers funding informal climate justice activities:
> Guerilla Foundation.
> Patagonia.
> Mama Cash.
> Lush
Advocacy
As with other areas, some changes may be initiated through individual practices within your team or by creating models of external cooperation. However, the organisation and operation of institutions is determined by the regulations of their respective funding bodies. Therefore, it is necessary to create coalitions within culture, which will jointly push for changes in guidelines for allocating funds and identify ecological priorities. Let us demand that it is the ecological and ethical rationale that should be at the centre of fund-allocation in open competitions, specific grants and any other form of cultural financing.
An example of a climate-oriented network in the area of arts and culture is GMAST from Manchester (Manchester Arts Sustainability Team). Cultural institutions joined forces to reach a city-wide zero-emissions target. (see also: INSTITUTIONAL POLICY, ECO-ETHICS OF COOPERATION)
> GMAST
