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The Land Art Generator Initiative is honoured as a top sustainable solution at Rio+20!

July 9, 2012newsArnold Schwarzenegger, Available Solutions, Climate Action, Connie Hedegaard, Esthetics, Global Compact, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Gro Harlem Brundtland, Honorary Chair, Initiative Project, Land Art, Media Guru, Scalable Solutions, Six Continents, Sustainable Innovation, Sustainable Societies, Sustainable Solution, Ted Turner, Vip Guests, Winne

Sustainability legend Gro Harlem Brundtland, media guru and philanthropist Ted Turner, EU Commissioner for Climate Action Connie Hedegaard, and 150 VIP guests celebrated the first concrete outcome at Rio+20: The launch of Sustainia100.

Download / read the complete â€œSustainia100â€ here.

One of the 100 (see pages 70-71) is titled, â€œESTHETICS OF RENEWABLESâ€ and is dedicated to the Land Art Generator Initiative project.

Gathered from 56 countries spread over six continents, Sustainia100 is a complete guide to innovative and scalable solutions instrumental in creating sustainable societies. Building on ready and available solutions only, Sustainia100 is as a tangible tool for sustainability professionals â€“ from politicians to CEOs- dedicated to create desirable and sustainable societies.

â€œI am very excited and inspired by this as it makes it absolutely clear that our mission is possible. That we do have the ammunition we need to tackle this challenge. That we have what it takes to create fun and attractive societies without destroying our planet â€œ says Arnold Schwarzenegger, Honorary Chair of Sustainia.

Individually, the solutions represent sustainable innovation in areas such as city planning, energy, fashion, water and waste management, high-tech and transportation. Collectively, they provide a guide of the building blocks available for transforming our societies.

Sustainia100 is a cornerstone in Sustainia. A construction site for the desirable society we could live in if we implemented ready and available solutions. Developed by world-leading companies, organizations and experts in close collaboration with UN Global Compact and Governor Arnold Schwarzeneggerâ€™s initiative Regions20, Sustainia is the first holistic introduction to the attractive sustainable future.

Sustainia100 solutions are nominees for the Sustainia Award, which honors outstanding performance within sustainability. The winner will be announced at a ceremony later this year in Copenhagen.

Readings in Performance and Ecology (What Is Theatre?)

June 18, 2012Earth Matters on Stage, newsAmazon, Animals, Arons, Carbon Footprint, Creatures, Ecological Community, Ecological Values, Ecology, Environmentalists, Garrett, Protest, Reciprocal Relationship, Relationships, Symbols, Theatre Dance, Theatrical Production, Wendy

This ground-breaking collection of essays focuses on how theatre, dance, and other forms of performance are helping to transform our ecological values. Leading scholars and practitioners explore the ways that familiar and new works of theatre and dance can help us recognize our reciprocal relationship with the natural world and how performance helps us understand the way our bodies are integrally connected to the land. They also explore how environmentalists use performance as a form of protest; how performance illuminates our relationships with animals as autonomous creatures and artistic symbols; and how performance can help humans re-define our place in the larger ecological community.

CSPA Director Ian Garrett contributedÂ a chapter about the carbon footprint of theatrical production.

Purchase hereÂ Amazon.com: Readings in Performance and Ecology (What Is Theatre?) (9780230337282): Wendy Arons, Theresa J. May: Books.

Jame Bedell’s Greener Lighting Design in the Real World

June 16, 2012Broadway Green Alliance, newsAdvocate, Bedell, Broadway, Design Priorities, Green Alliance, Jame, Lighting Design, Lighting Designer, Lighting Designers, presentation, Real World, sustainability

Check out this presentation by lighting designer James Bedell. He originally gave this presentation at an event for the Broadway Green Alliance exploring Greener Lighting Practices in the theater. As a sustainability advocate, James encourages lighting designers to integrate sustainability into their design priorities whenever working on a project.

Taylor Guitars & The Future of Ebony

June 15, 2012newsBlack Ebony, Blends, Bob Taylor, Cameroon, Co Founder, Current Conditions, Ebony, Ebony Supply, Founder Bob, Future Generations, Guitar Manufacturers, Higher Paying Jobs, Job, Los Angeles Times, Musical Instrument, New Realities, Raw Material, Realities, Responsible Forestry, Ron White, Sustainable Supply, Talyor, Taylor Guitar, Taylor Guitars, Taylor Talks, Taylor Website, Youtube

In this video, Taylor Guitars co-founder Bob Taylor talks about the world’s dwindling supply of ebony, the realities of ebony sourcing in Cameroon, and Taylor’s efforts to preserve a sustainable supply for the entire musical instrument community. With the co-purchase of Crelicam, an ebony mill in Cameroon in 2011, Taylor began to develop a fresh framework for sustainable sourcing, one that blends socially responsible forestry with job training that will help Cameroonian communities support themselves and improve their living standards.

From the Taylor website: â€œWe need to use the ebony that the forest gives us,â€ emphasizes Bob, who has personally met with a number of other prominent guitar manufacturers since the Crelicam purchase to spread awareness of the new realities regarding ebony sourcing. While the current conditions donâ€™t mean that the days of all-black ebony are entirely gone, they do mean that if we want to ensure a sustainable ebony supply for future generations of instruments and players, we must embrace greater cosmetic diversity.

The story was recently picked up by the Los Angeles Times. In the article, but Ron White, Taylor was also quoted as saying, regarding the workers at the mill:

“We are going to start doing a lot of the processing and that will provide more jobs and more higher-paying jobs and triple the value of what they can sell, instead of just the raw material,” Taylor said. “There is money in the ebony, and they deserve to have more of that.”

Click these links for more info:

Taylor Guitar’s Commitment to Sustainability

Taylor Guitar’s page on Sustainable Ebony

LA Time’s Article about Talyor Guitar’s purchase of the Crelicam Mill

ENERGISING CULTURE: JB’S LATEST GUIDE

June 13, 2012Julie's Bicycle, newsAbtt, Arts Council England, Bicycle, Case Study Examples, Compliancy, Core Issues, Critical Issue, Culture Seminar, Demand And Supply, Energy Challenge, Energy Demand, Energy Strategies, Financial Incentives, Future Energy, Interventions, Investment Decision, Investment Models, Launch, Practical Solutions, Sources Of Funding

Energising Culture: JB’s Latest Guide

Yesterday saw the launch of our latest guide, Energising Culture, the first in a two-part guide on future energy strategies for cultural buildings, published in partnership with The Theatres Trust and Arts Council England.

Energising Culture aims to equip the leaders of cultural buildings with an understanding of the core issues around energy demand and supply, and implications for operational and investment decision-making. It makes the case for energy as a business-critical issue.

The guide covers practical and operational interventions, the current range of technological, compliancy and financial incentives, sources of funding and investment models available.

It also provides case study examples of innovative and bold responses to the energy challenge from the cultural sector.

(Full press release)

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD ENERGISING CULTURE >

Energising Culture Seminar

12.30 – 13.30 THURS 14 JUNE

ABTT Theatre Show 2012

Join Julie’s Bicycle and The Theatres Trust to discuss practical solutions to powering our cultural events into the future.

More information and booking

Theatres Trust Conference 12: â€˜Delivering Sustainable Theatresâ€™ is open for booking

May 21, 2012newsArtistic Director, Baroness, Civic Voice, Conference Chair, Critical Interest, Dorothy Wilson, Economic Constraints, Future Generations, Line Booking, London Theatres, Mark Robinson, National Planning Policy, National Theatre London, Policy Framework, Rhys Jones, Rising Energy, Social Disciplines, Sustainability Agenda, Sustainable Design, Triple Bottom Line

The challenge of achieving the triple bottom line

Booking is now open for The Theatres Trustâ€™s sixth annual conference Delivering Sustainable Theatres taking place at Stratford Circus, London on Tuesday 12 June 2012.

Conference 12 looks at the sustainable design, development and operation of theatre buildings in relation to environmental, economic and social disciplines, and the challenges of delivering sustainable theatres for future generations.

Conference Chair

Samira Ahmed

Session Chairs

Dorothy Wilson MBE, Chief Executive and Artistic Director, mac, Birmingham
Mark Robinson, Director, Thinking Practice
Nick Starr, Chief Executive, National Theatre, London.

Keynote Speakers

Griff Rhys Jones, Chairman, Civic Voice
Baroness Hanham CBE, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Department for Communities and Local Government

The event will explore how theatre buildings have addressed the sustainability agenda and introduced new technologies, adapted to meet rising energy costs, tougher environmental building standards, economic constraints and the expectations of audiences – and see what lessons have been learnt.

In addition to showcasing the experiences of the 48 London theatres on The Theatres Trust ERDF funded ECOVENUE project, particular focus will be paid to just what sustainable development means for theatres now, what opportunities exist for theatre buildings in the new National Planning Policy Framework, how funding programmes are now promoting more sustainable capital development of theatre buildings, and what is needed to ensure theatres can meet the triple bottom line head on and continue to thrive.

Conference 12 will be of critical interest to those trying to maximise economic, social and environmental returns from their theatre buildings through redesign, adaptation or new builds. It provides the opportunity to discuss these issues with other theatres, government and arts policy makers, theatre consultants and architects and take part in the debate.

Delegates will have the opportunity to hear from many engaging speakers and leaders including: Dame Elizabeth Forgan, Chair, Arts Council England; Rosemary Squire, Ambassador Theatre Group; John Holden, DEMOS Associate and Visiting Professor, City University, London; Rab Bennetts OBE, Bennetts Associates Architects

Coinciding with the 34th ABTT Theatre Show, the Conferenceâ€™s timing and location aims to maximise opportunities for the theatre sector, visitors and exhibitors to engage with both events in the dynamically evolving Olympic Borough of Newham.

Industry support is key to producing Delivering Sustainable Theatres and in 2012 The Theatres Trust is delighted to announce the support of the following organisations: Charcoalblue Ltd, Clay Paky, ETC Ltd, ShowTex, ABTT, Audio Light Systems, Martin Professional, State Automation, Northern Light, Arup, Harlequin Floors, Stage Systems, Theatre Project Consultants, White Light, Wigwam, Global Design Systems, Stage Electrics, Stratford Circus and The Society of Theatre Consultants.Â Our Media Partners are Lighting & Sound International and The Stage.

The Theatres Trust

Protecting Theatres for Everyone

National Advisory Public Body for Theatres

Ecovenue and Conference 12 are funded by the European Regional Development Fund and The Theatres Trust.

Â The Theatres Trust: The Theatres Trust is The National Advisory Public Body for theatres.Â The Trust was established by The Theatres Trust Act 1976 ‘to promote the better protection of theatres’.Â We are a statutory consultee on theatre buildings in the planning system, we provide expert advice on the sustainable development of theatre buildings, and we help promote awareness and solutions for theatres at risk.Â We champion all theatres, historic, contemporary and new, in theatre use, in other uses or disused. Our central London Theatreland-based Resource Centre provides access to a specialist theatre building Reference Library including books and architecturalÂ plans. For more information: www.theatrestrust.org.uk

Ecovenue: Ecovenue is a significant theatre-specific environmental project run by The Theatres trust. It aims to improve the environmental performance for forty-eight London theatres and raise awareness of how to make theatres greener. Ecovenue is promoting the sustainability of theatres and the reduction of carbon emissions through the provision of free theatre-specific, environmental advice.Â Further information on Ecovenue and The Theatres Trust can be obtained from its website www.theatrestrust.org.uk

European Regional Development Fund: London European Regional Development Fund 2007 to 2013:Â The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) is used to tackle regional disparities across Europe. The ERDF supports regional development through actions such as business innovation and support and regeneration. Working on behalf of the Mayor of London, the European Programmes Management Unit (EPMU) at the London Development Agency (LDA) is responsible for the administration of the 2007 to 2013 ERDF programme.

For futher information and images, or to register your interest please contact Suzanne McDougall suzanne.mcdougall@theatrestrust.org.ukÂ T: 020 7836 8591Â F: 020 7836 3302.

From Julie’s Bicycle: After Miss Julie “Classic for a New Climate” opens at Young Vic

April 29, 2012Julie's Bicycle, newsAudience Members, Bicycle, Celebrations, Efficient System, Emissions, Head Over Heels, Labour Party, Landslide Election Victory, Love Story, Mayor Of London, Miss Julie, Natalie, Natural Ventilation, Patrick Marber, Place Thanks, Refurbishment, Strindberg, Target, Theatre Space, Young Vic

EXCERPTED FROM:Â Julie’s Bicycle – News.

Last Month a re-imagining of Strindberg’s cruelest love story, Miss Julie, opens at the Young Vic after a week of previews. Set in England, July 1945, After Miss Julie takes place during the celebrations of the Labour Party’s landslide election victory and follows events which, over the course of a single night, turn Miss Julie’s world head over heels.

Adapted from the original by Patrick Marber and directed by Natalie Abrahami, After Miss Julie is also a “Classics for a New Climate” production, which has been investigating approaches to making more ecologically sustainable theatre in partnership with Julie’s Bicycle. Prompted by the Mayor of London’s target to reduce London’s emissions by 60% before 2050, the Young Vic set out to reduce the energy used to produce After Miss Julie by 50% compared to other shows that have been staged in the Maria Theatre previously.

Heating, cooling and ventilating are the three systems that use up the most energy within the theatre space, and the Young Vic has an efficient system in place thanks to a refurbishment to the building which reopened in 2006. Initiatives that this production has put in place to reduce energy further have involved using natural ventilation as a substitute for heating and cooling as much as possible. This explains why the temperature in the auditorium varies slightly and why theyâ€™ve asked audience members to wear layers.

To read the full article CLICK HERE:Â Julie’s Bicycle – News.

Walker Art Center to present Super Nature

April 24, 2012newsActions And Reactions, American Composers Forum, Assistant Curator, Bessie Award, Bryant Lake Bowl, Emily Johnson, Impulstanz, Justin Jones, Lily Springs, Mcknight Foundation, Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, National Performance Network, Nature Installation, Network Creation, Performance Space 122, Ramstad, Regional Arts Council, Shogren, Social Interaction, Verbal Interaction, Visceral Response, Walker Art Center

Full of artifice and animal appetites, Super Nature will engage the wild, the domestic, and the civilized aspects of human nature to create a radical ecological melodrama. ItÂ will premiere at the Walker Art Center October 25-27th 2012.

In Super Nature directors Olive Bieringa and Otto Ramstad will be joined by Bessie award winning composer Zeena Parkins and visual artist Emmett Ramstad. The core cast will include dancers Justin Jones, Timmy Wagner, Emily Johnson, Anna Shogren, Otto Ramstad and special guests. Additionally an ensemble of local performers will participate in the research installation and performance.

â€œIn an empty gallery, one member of the public will meet one performer and have a non-verbal interaction,â€ Bieringa says. â€œBoth performer and audience will have agency to transform the energy of the space through their behavior and social interaction, sometimes very subtle and sometimes extreme. InÂ Super Nature we seek to engage an audienceâ€™s visceral response over their need to immediately make cognitive meaning from what they see. In other words, we will endeavor to choreograph empathy.” Says Assistant Curator MichÃ¨le Steinwald, title, â€œIt will be very sweet. Your non-verbal actions and reactions will truly help the company formulate their show.â€

Super Nature will be co-commissioned by the Walker Art Center, Minneapolis; Performance Space 122, NYC; and PadlWest, San Diego.Â Super Nature is supported by the MAP Fund, American Composers Forum, National Performance Network Creation Fund, Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, Impulstanz Festival, Lily Springs, Studio 206 and the McKnight Foundation.

via Super Nature.

The Roanoke College Performing Arts Series Presents the Artichoke Dance Company with “The Plastic People of the Universe”

April 18, 2012newsBase Element, College Web, Costume Design, Dance Company, Dance Film, Earth Day, Exponential Growth, Film Text, Future Show, Human Body, Mesh, Movement Vocabulary, Plastic People Of The Universe, Plastics, Polyethylene, Repercussions, Roanoke College, Satire, Six Pack, Web Calendar

The Roanoke College Performing Arts Series Presents the Artichoke Dance Company with “The Plastic People of the Universe” ~Earth Day 2012~ April 22, 2012~ 3:00pm Individualistic movement vocabulary, poignant dialogue, whimsical video, innovative set and costume design, and satire mesh to address the nature, exponential growth of, and effects associated with polyethylene, the most common plastic in use today. Investigating the exponential growth of single use plastics, and the repercussions that plastics are being discovered to have on the environment and in the human body, Plastic People of the Universe features dance, film, text and design to create a world propelled by cycles of creation and destruction. Upcycled plastic six-pack holders collected from New York pizzarias serve as the base element for the costumes and set. To be added to our mailing list for future show announcements, please visit www.roanoke.edu/fineartslist.

via Roanoke College – Roanoke College Web Calendar.

Just released! Energy Conservation Audits for Six Performing Arts Facilities

March 15, 2012newsAnthony Marshall, Audit Results, Buddies In Bad Times, Building Envelope, Canada, Catalyst, Companies In Toronto, Detailed Energy, Energy Audits, Energy Conservation, Energy Efficiency, Energy Efficiency Office, Energy Savings, Independent Energy Auditor, Lighting Retrofits, Nbsp, Nook And Cranny, Participating Companies, Public Environments, Pv Array, Renovation, Renovation Plans, Rooftop Ventilation, Sector Initiative, Six Companies, Stdt, Success, Theatre Passe Muraille, Theatre Spaces, Toronto Dance Theatre, Toronto Theatres, Upkeep

Between May and October 2011, Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, Factory Theatre, Tafelmusik, Tarragon Theatre, Theatre Passe Muraille, and Toronto Dance Theatre/STDT provided a yearâ€™s worth of utilities bills for analysis. TheÂ Energy Conservation Audits reportÂ is the first step inÂ Torontoâ€™s Green Theatres,Â Â a concerted approach to greening performing facilities in Toronto.

Measures taken to green Toronto theatres will result in improved working and public environments â€“ along with significant energy savings over time. Each of the participating companies received detailed, practical recommendations that will help them integrate greening into their facility upkeep and repair and renovation plans.

Â Torontoâ€™s Green TheatresÂ is the first arts sector initiative of its kind in Canada and a possible model for other communities. Like all Creative Trustâ€™s work, it was developed collaboratively and will rely on our collective muscle for its success. We thank both Torontoâ€™s Cultural Services and Energy Efficiency Offices, which have been wonderfully supportive of our plans to work across our sector to reduce theatresâ€™ carbon footprints. We hope that our results will act as a catalyst for changing awareness and behavior around one of the most compelling issues of our day.

FULL ARTICLE