We live in a world engulfed by the climate catastrophe and we continue to experience other crises: environmental, economic, social, political as well as the COVID-19 pandemic.

We live in a system which is based on the exploitation of nature and of people. We lose biodiversity every day as species become extinct. Rivers and oceans are polluted and soil is depleted. An increasing number of people are forced from their land, as it slowly disappears under water or it is too hot to live and too dry for anything to grow. The global economy is led by the logic of the profit motive and so strengthens economic, class and racial inequalities. The growing polarisation of views is taken advantage of by politicians, media and social media to multiply income and extend their areas of influence.

However, we can still do a lot. Scientists, activists, climate movements and politicians appeal to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The struggle to keep the average global temperature rise below 1.5 degrees Celsius continues. In order to achieve that, radical and systemic action is necessary. This means a profound change which will allow us to halt further destruction of people and the natural world.

Culture also needs to take up the call for radical action because it is entangled in a system of creating inequalities and exploitation. At the same time, culture provides space for discussion, critical thinking and brave and experimental action. We must build awareness of the climate and ecological crisis and promote new ways of working and functioning in the world through our activity: performances, concerts, research, communication, exhibitions, supporting local communities and education.

We need to work for the public good and not for the sake of multiplying individual financial or symbolic capital. We need to take care of commons such as health, energy, education, culture and nature because they improve the wellbeing of people, animals and plants. We need cooperation of various communities based on reciprocity and kindness and strengthening of social solidarity. For this reason, we must re-design the operation of our institutions and re-define the obligations of culture.

If you work at a cultural institution, belong to an organisation operating within culture or you are an independent practitioner of the cultural sector, join the common work for change!

Sign, implement and promote Culture for Climate declaration!