We would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we live and work. We would also like to pay our respects to Elders past, present and future.
The Cultural Gardeners - an Australian Cultural Alliance for Climate Action
We are arts and cultural workers deeply concerned with taking action on the converging planetary climate and ecological crises. As you will be aware, humanity faces the combined catastrophes of: climate breakdown, mass extinction of vital biodiversity and the rapid degradation of critical ecosystems. Australia is at the forefront of these crises.
The Group meets on the last Tuesday of each month (excepting December).
Beyond recycling and renewable energy, we believe there is a wealth of opportunity for artists and the cultural sector to take a leading role in the social transition that we must make to stop further devastation and adapt to a warming climate. The need for accelerated action is growing fast.
We know there are many people already working on this and hope that coming together and adopting a unified approach across our diverse cultural landscape is critical to share, learn from each other, break down silos and help protect individuals and organisations in a volatile, sometimes hostile, environment.
We recognise that the Covid-19 pandemic has been extremely difficult for the cultural community and the lack of support from the federal government for many people in the cultural sectors has caused enormous hardship. This is part of what needs to change.
We align to First Nations principles of Caring for Country and the Uluru Statement from the Heart. We align to a Just Transition the framework developed by the trade union movement to encompass a range of social interventions needed to secure workers' rights and livelihoods when economies are shifting to sustainable modes that combat climate change and protect biodiversity. These principles are outlined in the Paris Agreement and are also embedded in the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
We also believe it is vitally important that our approach is uniquely Australian to respect and forefront the great diversity of First Nations people across Australia whose 60,000 years+ of continuous culture honours a unique relationship and responsibility for Country, to benefit all Australians. There are many cultural actors around the world to align with and we believe these allegiances will be stronger if we start with consolidating relationships and action in our places, on this land.
At the December 2020 meeting Cultural Gardeners agreed to affiliate with Culture Declares Emergency, a growing UK based movement of individuals and organisations involved in art and culture, declaring a climate and ecological emergency. Cultural Declarers pledge to tell truths, take action and seek justice.
Group Administrators (5)
Total: 214
The Cultural Gardeners Steering Group meet on the second Tuesday of each month.
All Cultural Gardeners are invited to join the steering group at any time.
Cultural Gardeners are also welcome to join in any of the steering group meetings.
Notes and actions from the steering group meetings are provided as public information.
Any further questions please contact the current steering group convenor Pippa Bailey
Cultural Gardeners - Australian Cultural Alliance for Climate Action
