Sustainability Issues

Mindset of Green Growth

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This post comes to you from Culture|Futures

Culture|Futures’ Olaf Gerlach-Hansen moderated the panel session ‘Mindset of Green Growth’ at the World Sustainable Development Summit in Delhi, India, on 1 February 2013

mindset_workshop2_1000The panel discussants included

  • Ms Mili Majumdar, Director, Sustainable Habitat Division, The Energy and Resource Institute (TERI)
  • Ms Mette Morsing, Professor, Copenhagen Business School, and Co-Director, CBS Sustainability Platform,
  • Mr Kasper Guldager Jørgensen, Architect, Partner and Co-Founder of 3XN, and
  • Mr Denis Leclerc, President and CEO of Ecotech Quebec, Quebec Cleantech Cluster.

The discussion between Ms Mili Majumdar and Ms Mette Morsing stressed upon issues such as green architecture as an alternative to energy intensive buildings. They also suggested the use of biological ecosystems in them.

Danish Architect Mr Kasper Guldager Jørgensen shared his expertise in new building materials as a road to sustainable development. Mr Jørgensen, who is also a founder of Cradle to Cradle in Denmark, has just published the first official ‘Cradle to Cradle Guide’ for Danish construction companies and business.

Mr Denis Leclerc from Canada shared his experiences about new mindset from Quebec Clean Tech Cluster. The development of clean technology and training of future managers with a focus on business and sustainability was also recommended.

The session gave weight to ideas, such as algae ecosystems in green buildings. The speakers also talked about focusing on ensuring executive training on sustainability issues in business school curriculums. They concluded with recommendations on the use of clean technologies with aggressive targets for carbon-neutral growth based on the Quebec model.

More information about the summit: dsds.teriin.org

Culture|Futures is an international collaboration of organizations and individuals who are concerned with shaping and delivering a proactive cultural agenda to support the necessary transition towards an Ecological Age by 2050.

The Cultural sector that we refer to is an interdisciplinary, inter-sectoral, inter-genre collaboration, which encompasses policy-making, intercultural dialogue/cultural relations, creative cities/cultural planning, creative industries and research and development. It is those decision-makers and practitioners who can reach people in a direct way, through diverse messages and mediums.

Affecting the thinking and behaviour of people and communities is about the dissemination of stories which will profoundly impact cultural values, beliefs and thereby actions. The stories can open people’s eyes to a way of thinking that has not been considered before, challenge a preconceived notion of the past, or a vision of the future that had not been envisioned as possible. As a sector which is viewed as imbued with creativity and cultural values, rather than purely financial motivations, the cultural sector’s stories maintain the trust of people and society.
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Call for Papers – Acoustic Space No. 12: ART OF RESILIENCE

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This post comes to you from Cultura21

Riga’s Center for New Media Culture RIXC is welcoming submissions – articles, conceptual and artistic texts, research papers and visual contributions – from artists, theorists, scientists, researchers who are engaged with issues of social and ecological sustainability, and who are interested in a deeper understanding of technology, for the next Acoustic Space (Volume No. 12), a peer-reviewed journal for interdisciplinary research on art, science, technology and society, devoted with the theme Art of Resilience.

The conference exploring the topic — Art of Resilience — took place during Art+Communication 2012 festival in Riga, October 5-6, 2012 (http://rixc.lv/12). The forthcoming publication will include papers presented at this conference, but will not be limited to it and is open for contributions by other authors. It will be published in English.

“Today art is leaving its autonomous position behind the society’s quest for a sustainable future. Artists who once were in vanguard of exploring digital frontiers, today again are among the first ones who are actively engaged in looking for other ways how to make the world more sustainable.

Resilience is one of the key tactics that helps people to undergo unstable, uncertain times. The idea of a resilience is used as a guiding theme and as a point of departure for the discussions with which we aim at fostering deeper understanding of social, cultural and ecological, as well as technological sustainability issues.
We are questioning: How to enhance resilience – our capability to cope with today’s complex situation that has occurred in the result of rapid ‘techno-sciences’ development? Does art play a role of a ‘catalyst’ in this quest for sustainability, if it keeps actively establishing new connections with other fields – science and technology, architecture and design, rural infrastructure development and urban planning, social networking and global engineering? How these emergent art practices that are bridging not only different fields but also exploiting resilience experiences from different times and different cultures, are contributing towards developing a successful scenario for the future world?”

Deadline for submitting full papers – March 15, 2013
However, abstracts can be submitted first – deadline for abstracts: February 11, 2013

Length of texts: between 2500 and 8000 words (i.e. 20 000 – 45 000 characters).

Submitted texts should include:

  1. short abstract (ca. 250 words, i.e. 1500 characters)
  2. 5 – 6 keywords
  3. short bio of the author (ca. 100 words, i.e. 800 characters)

References should be in APA style.

Language for submissions: English.

The publication will come out in October, 2013, and it will be presented at the Media Art Histories 2013: ReNew conference / Art+Communication 2013 festival, October 8-11, 2013.

Please send abstracts and texts to the editor: Rasa Smite rasa [at] rixc [dot] lv

The previous editions of Acoustic Space are available on amazon.com

Cultura21 is a transversal, translocal network, constituted of an international level grounded in several Cultura21 organizations around the world.

Cultura21′s international network, launched in April 2007, offers the online and offline platform for exchanges and mutual learning among its members.

The activities of Cultura21 at the international level are coordinated by a team representing the different Cultura21 organizations worldwide, and currently constituted of:

– Sacha Kagan (based in Lüneburg, Germany) and Rana Öztürk (based in Berlin, Germany)
– Oleg Koefoed and Kajsa Paludan (both based in Copenhagen, Denmark)
– Hans Dieleman (based in Mexico-City, Mexico)
– Francesca Cozzolino and David Knaute (both based in Paris, France)

Cultura21 is not only an informal network. Its strength and vitality relies upon the activities of several organizations around the world which are sharing the vision and mission of Cultura21

Go to Cultura21

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Sustainability and Empowerment

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This post comes to you from Cultura21

The organizing committee of the International Graduate Conference in Hamburg, Germany invites you to the conference taking place from 22nd till 25th of November.

The theme of the conference is A survey on Latin-American perspectives after Rio+20, focusing on the Latin America continent, in the context of sustainable development and the role civil society can have in it. Examples like the Water War in Bolivia or the Ecuadorian Yasuní-Initiative, have shown, that Latin America can be an innovative region in forming civil responses to sustainability issues.

Keynote speakers will be Gian Carlo Delgado PhD. (UNAM) – author of several books dealing with the relationship among political ecology, imperialism and climate change – and Juanita Castaño PhD. (UNEP) – former member of the UN Secretary-General’s advisory board on water and sanitation and former Chief of the UNEP, who was present at the Rio +20 conference.

For more information on the conference:

http://sustainability-and-empowerment2012.blogspot.fr/2012/09/call4papersenglish.html

Cultura21 is a transversal, translocal network, constituted of an international level grounded in several Cultura21 organizations around the world.

Cultura21′s international network, launched in April 2007, offers the online and offline platform for exchanges and mutual learning among its members.

The activities of Cultura21 at the international level are coordinated by a team representing the different Cultura21 organizations worldwide, and currently constituted of:

– Sacha Kagan (based in Lüneburg, Germany) and Rana Öztürk (based in Berlin, Germany)
– Oleg Koefoed and Kajsa Paludan (both based in Copenhagen, Denmark)
– Hans Dieleman (based in Mexico-City, Mexico)
– Francesca Cozzolino and David Knaute (both based in Paris, France)

Cultura21 is not only an informal network. Its strength and vitality relies upon the activities of several organizations around the world which are sharing the vision and mission of Cultura21

Go to Cultura21

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Arcola joins the theatre DEC pool

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The Theatres Trust and Julie’s Bicycle have joined together to undertake a comprehensive survey of environmental and sustainability issues facing performing arts venues in the UK.

Arcola is participating in the Theatres Trust Ecovenue project, which is improving the environmental performance of 48 London theatres by providing theatre-specific advice and awards of Display Energy Certificates. The Theatres DEC Pool will compare the performance of participating London venues with national theatre building performance.

The Theatres DEC Pool will cover all theatres throughout the UK and enable venues of similar types to compare approaches and share best practice. Theatres will also be able to see where they can contribute to promoting a more sustainable theatre sector. Analysis of the data will inform the next series of Government DEC benchmarks so they can be relevant to the theatre industry as a whole and will be incorporated into the Trust’s established Theatres Database.

See the Theatres Trust press release for further information: HERE

Go to Arcola Energy

Sustainable Solutions for a Fair Future – monthly public talks at Arcola Theatre

Announcements, Arcola, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

From April 2011 Arcola, alongside Hackney and Tower Hamlets Friends of the Earth group, are hosting a series of monthly, expert-led talks around exciting and challenging aspects of sustainability. Our overaraching theme is innovation, and tangible solutions to the sustainability issues of both today and tomorrow.

For an overview of the series of talks, please see HERE. They take place on the last Thursday of each month, from 6 – 7.30pm, at Arcola Theatre 

Our first speaker on 28 April is Sue Riddlestone, of BioRegional.  Information coming soon on her proposed topic – which will undoubtedly fire up conversation and inspire new thought.

Look forward to seeing you there.

All the best
Arcola Energy Team

Museum of London – Sustainability Statement

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The Museum of London is the leading museum for London. Understanding the environmental impacts of our activities and reducing these where possible is an important element of being a leading museum and an area where we are committed to continual improvement.In the following areas Museum of London will;

Management and legislation

  • develop and continually improve its information gathering, target setting and reporting on environmental issues
  • reflect environmental and sustainability issues in its public programme (exhibitions, events, activities) where relevant
  • encourage all staff to work in an environmentally responsible manner and to contribute to improving performance
  • ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, statutory regulation and codes of practice from Display Energy Certificates to disposal of hazardous materials

Resource consumption (energy and water)

  • monitor its energy and water consumption regularly
  • seek to implement energy and water efficient solutions as part of maintenance upgrades and major refurbishment projects
  • continually raise staff awareness and encourage a culture of responsible energy usage
  • use harvested rainwater for toilets where possible and for all garden irrigation
  • continue to look for ways to improve the energy efficiency of stores
  • monitor, maintain and run environmental control equipment at an optimum level reducing energy wastage
  • reduce its carbon footprint through a combination of the measures in this policy

The three ‘R’s (reducing, re-using, recycling) and waste management

  • increase the use of our website as a source of information rather than printed materials
  • reduce waste through minimising consumption, re-using and recycling
  • provide recycling containers and bins, and recycle paper, cardboard, glass, plastics (as accepted), cans and tins as a minimum at all sites
  • consider alternative options for equipment and materials before disposal
  • minimise the use of chemicals harmful to the environment to a level consistent with the needs to properly
  • and safely conserve objects
  • dispose of used and surplus chemicals in a safe and responsible manner using licensed contractors

Building and refurbishment

  • require all new building and refurbishment work to improve environmental performance through design, construction and operation for both public and back of house areas
  • carry out energy and environment appraisals and assessments in line with best practice when refurbishing premises
  • maintain high standards of energy and environmental management, including noise
  • ensure the Museum will not contaminate soil, ground and surface water from buildings, building materials or gas
  • require tenders, where necessary, to specify what Environmental or Waste Management Systems have been put in place and to monitor these

Procurement

  • aim to balance sustainability considerations with Value for Money principles
  • ensure materials used and goods purchased derive, where possible and relevant, from sustainable sources
  • work with catering partners to offer organic and fair-trade food and drink where possible
  • consider the sustainability policies and practices of suppliers and contractors
  • ensure all paper and printed materials for general use are, as a minimum, Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) certified

Travel and transport

  • encourage the use of public transport by staff and visitors
  • support cycling and car sharing initiatives
  • limit journeys by Museum vehicles to essential operational requirements
  • ensure Museum vehicles are maintained to ensure they run economically
  • consider different transport options when moving objects on loan, whilst ensuring care of collections

Approved by the Museum of London Executive Committee in February 2011

Sustainable Practice in Public Art

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This post comes to you from Cultura21

Chrysalis Arts in collaboration with MIRIAD at Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) present a seminar about how artists and commissioners can begin to address the ecological and sustainability issues associated with climate change through their professional practice. With: Inspirational speakers – PASA case studies – Group discussions

Seminar – April 15th 2011 – 10am to 4.30pm – Manchester Metropolitan University, Sandra Burslem Building SB 2.10

Information & programme: www.pasaguidelines.org

Bookings: chrysalis [at] artdepot [dot] org [dot] uk 01756 749222 – Directions:www.mmu.ac.uk/travel/allsaints

MMU staff and students – free ; Freelance practitioners £12 ; Organisations £30

Supported by MMU, MIRIAD, Chrysalis Arts Development, Arts Council England, Lottery Funded.

Cultura21 is a transversal, translocal network, constituted of an international level grounded in several Cultura21 organizations around the world.

Cultura21′s international network, launched in April 2007, offers the online and offline platform for exchanges and mutual learning among its members.

The activities of Cultura21 at the international level are coordinated by a team representing the different Cultura21 organizations worldwide, and currently constituted of:

– Sacha Kagan (based in Lüneburg, Germany) and Rana Öztürk (based in Berlin, Germany)

– Oleg Koefoed and Kajsa Paludan (both based in Copenhagen, Denmark)

– Hans Dieleman (based in Mexico-City, Mexico)

– Francesca Cozzolino and David Knaute (both based in Paris, France)

Cultura21 is not only an informal network. Its strength and vitality relies upon the activities of several organizations around the world which are sharing the vision and mission of Cultura21

Go to Cultura21

Sustainable progress, one art piece at a time

Announcements, Open Calls, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Sustainability Review seeks submissions that address sustainability issues and also function as a call to action, meshing artistry with advocacy. Potential pieces could feature novel technology, innovative re-use, or solutions for specific human/environmental interactions.  We embrace work that employs a multi-faceted approach, especially that which makes use of emerging media (though traditional media is also welcomed).  This includes (but is not limited to) creative and innovative design, conceptual cartography, and statistical art.

For our upcoming issue, we are particularly interested in pieces on resource scarcity. Some possible topics include increasing scarcity of resources such as rare earth metals, fossil fuels, nutrients like phosphorus, and land. Submissions dealing with resource scarcity will receive higher priority, but we will consider all submissions.

Please include with your submission a 300 to 450 word statement describing your work.  This should address the guidelines set above, introducing your work to TSR readers in a way that compliments the mission of the publication.  For established works, the statement should portray the submitted piece in a manner that is unique to TSR.  Additionally, please provide a concise artist statement to accompany your submission.

Submissions for this issue will be accepted until February 18, 2011 and will be published starting March 11, 2010.

Send submissions to Arts Editors, Blake McConnell and Tamara Lawless at (arts@thesustainabilityreview.org)

Technical Guidelines

Art Slide Submissions:

640×480 px slides
1280 width or larger full-size images
JPG format only
No Adobe Formats (PDF, AI, etc)

All art submissions will be displayed in a 640×480 slideshow with the ability for readers to view full-size image by clicking on individual slides. It is up to the artist to render/crop their works to the best of their ability given these size constraints.  Please include one title slide with your name and any copyright notices.

Graphic Figure Submissions:

Graphs, charts, etc. should be a maximum of 640 pixels wide (if necessary a full-size image may be included)

Please standardize dimensions for embedding within your research article.

GIF, JPG, or PNG formats only

Video Submissions:

Uploaded to an embeddable hosting site such as Youtube or Vimeo

Preferred:

720×480 or 640×480 maximum resolution

h264 or webM video codec

AAC or mp3 audio codec (at least 128kbps)

Alternate:

480×320 minimum resolution (artistic, documentaries)

h264 or webM video codec

AAC or mp3 audio codec (at least 128kbps)

Send submissions to Arts Editors, Blake McConnell and Tamara Lawless at (arts@thesustainabilityreview.org)

MISSION

The core mission of The Sustainability Review (http://www.thesustainabilityreview.org/) is to provide a forum for meaningful, comprehensible, and stimulating discussion related to the field of sustainability.  We want to encourage engagement among scholars, students, professionals, and the informed public interested in addressing the  pressing social, economic, and environmental issues of the age.

TSR has had the honor of working with members of the sustainability and art community, including Barry Sparkman and Grisha Coleman. Our intention in collaborating with artists like these is to provide our submitters wider exposure in the arts community while ensuring that the artwork published in TSR is of the highest quality.

Sustainability | eyebeam.org

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The Eyebeam Sustainability Research Group is comprised of past and present residents, fellows, and staff. Our goals are to improve the internal practices, physical infrastructure and materials used at Eyebeam to create a lab for workable sustainable solutions, to educate ourselves and the public through programs and exhibitions, and to facilitate the creation of sustainability-related projects at and beyond Eyebeam. The main areas of focus for the group have been energy, materials and making, urban sustainability issues, especially transportation and pollution, and green spaces and agriculture.

Check it out:  Sustainability | eyebeam.org.

More info on The Green Theatre Project at Arcola

Arcola, CSPA Convergence, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

We’ve had a great response from many talented people. More than we expected actually and it has become necessary to go through a short selection process (see message below). The project commences Saturday, April 17 at 2pm at Arcola Theatre. It is for performers, writers, theatre practitioners and generally interested people over 18. The aim is to use theatre to explore a variety of sustainability themes and create a high-quality short performance piece. If you are still interested in being involved here is some more information.

The group will meet over seven weeks, exploring sustainability issues through a variety of theatrical workshops, with the intention of devising a short performance piece. The location and dates of the performances are still to be confirmed. It will mostly likely be an outdoor or site specific performance. It is going to be very much a collaborative process and we welcome input from as many view points as possible. This is the first outing of The Green Theatre Project so there will be a lot of room to play.

Here is an outline of the sessions:

Session 1 – April 17, Arcola (2 -4pm)

  • Intros
  • Idea sharing
  • Short devising session around a theme

Session 2 – April 24, Spitalfields City Farm (2 -4pm)

  • Physical theatre workshop led by Irene Athanassiou
  • Devise short movement sequence
  • Decide on theme of final performance

Session 3 – May 1, Arcola (2 -4pm)

  • Forum theatre workshop led by Rosie Leach
  • Structure and form of final performance decided

Session 4 – May 8, Arcola (2 -4pm)

  • LeCoq workshop led by Skip Theatre (tbc)
  • Workshop potential material for final performance

Session 5 – May 15, Arcola (2 -4pm)

  • Interpreting text workshop (based on an Irish play) led by Cathal Clearly
  • Workshop and rehearse writer’s material for final performance piece

Session 6 – May 22, Arcola (2 -4pm)

  • Workshop and rehearse performance piece

Session 7 – May 29, location to be announced (2 -4pm)

  • Dress rehearsal/possible preview performance

Potential themes: energy usage, resource consumption and distribution, human/nature relationship, interconnectedness, the individual’s behaviour, fair trade, conservation, sustainable agriculture, social sustainability, etc. (These are just possibilities, the group will decide together on what issues they want to explore)

IMPORTANT: If you are interested in being involved, please send us a short paragraph describing what you hope to get out of the project and what you could bring to it. As well as what role(s) you would be interested in for the performance piece (i.e. writer, performer, stage manager, producer, etc) and a contact phone number. In order to be considered for the project we need to receive your email by the end of Tuesday, April 13. We will then let you know who has a place in the group. Please also let us know if you can not make any of the dates. We will be giving priority to people who can make six or more of the seven sessions.

Please note: That although the group is suitable for non-performers, the workshops will require some performance elements within the group.

Thank you for your interest and we look forward to hearing from you!

-Lisa and Rosie

The Green Theatre Project Arcola - greentheatreproject@googlemail.com