STATEMENT OF PLACE

The CSPA is a leader in a coalition of arts and environmental practitioners interested in promoting environmental stewardship in the Canadian arts and culture sector, and we have done so by adapting an arts and culture-specific carbon calculation tool created by the UK organization Julie’s Bicycle to the Canadian context. We are committed to equity and inclusion within artistic and environmental spaces, and we want to acknowledge that Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis individuals, groups and organizations) cultures and peoples, as well as all marginalized communities, are disproportionately affected by the impacts of the climate crisis and environmental policies.

Through this work, we have an opportunity for us to de-centre the Western perspective most commonly held in environmental spaces and learn from Indigenous environmental stewardship and knowledge systems.

OUR THINKING

We advocate to our community for reconciliation and unlearning by engaging in ongoing relationship development and learning with Indigenous communities, Indigenous-led organizations and Indigenous Knowledge Keepers, thus deepening our understanding of the concerns and priorities of Indigenous artists and allowing us to produce more equitable programming.

We view sustainability as the intersection of environmental balance, social equity, economic stability and a strengthened cultural infrastructure. 

We believe that artists are agents of cultural change, animators of public imagination, and experts in world-making.

We advocate for equitable access to resources, knowledge, opportunities, and representation.

We celebrate the diversity of cultures, perspectives, societies and identities within the sector.

We believe cultural exchanges foster creativity, understanding and empathy among people from all walks of life.

We recognize the power of collaboration and community in driving positive change.