• The coalition’s primary targets are to facilitate a reduction of the visual art sector’s greenhouse gas emissions by a minimum of 50% by 2030 (in line with the Paris Agreement’s goal of keeping global warming to below 1.5°C), and promote zero-waste practices.

     

    We believe that by aligning an international network of members with specific targets and focusing on effective action, together we can create a sustainable visual arts sector. 

     

    Join our coalition of artists, institutions/non-profits, art sector businesses and galleries all of whom are committed to creating a sustainable sector. Membership is free and open to all. 

     

    GCC is a registered charity and does not operate for profit.

     
     
     

  • Vision, mission & values

    Our vision

    An environmentally responsible art world. 

    Our mission

    Reduce the visual art sector’s CO2e emissions by a minimum of 50% (from a 2019 baseline) and reach near-zero waste by 2030.

    Our values 

    1. Collective Action

    Taking effective and coordinated action, collectively, will lead to greater impact. With so much to do in such a short space of time, we collaborate with like-minded organisations who, through their own methods and networks, are working to achieve our mission. 

     

    1. Impact

    Our approach is informed by the latest science, led by experts in both art and environmental spheres, and driven by tangible change. As our membership expands and climate science advances, we'll adapt and evolve for greater effectiveness.

     

    1. Transparency

    We aim to lead by example, practice what we preach, and prioritise integrity in our actions. This includes monitoring our own impacts, implementing environmental best practices in our operations, and maintaining transparency around our funding sources. 

      

    1. Open Access 

    GCC membership is free, and will always remain so. By embracing an open ethos for knowledge sharing and offering direct support to members, we actively work to eliminate barriers to taking action.

     

    1. Ambition 

    We maintain a spirit of ‘stubborn optimism’. We know that there is a long way to go, and to remain ambitious and ahead of the curve we are willing to adapt and step up the pace in order to reach our targets.

     

     

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    Core Activities

    1. Knowledge sharing

    GCC works to build a foundation of knowledge about sector-related climate impacts and solutions. We do this by providing free, open-source resources and guidelines that have been researched and developed specifically for visual arts organisations with the input of environmental experts. We’ve also built a custom Carbon Calculator tailored for the art world. It allows users to understand and monitor the key sources of carbon emissions in the sector. Through knowledge sharing, we strive to empower individuals and organisations to work collectively and effectively to reduce the emissions and waste in the sector.  

    2. Community building

    As a coalition based on a membership model, building community is an important part of what we do. We recognise that a common challenge in taking climate action is the scarcity of time and resources to effectively implement change. To address this obstacle, we foster a sense of community and peer support through our activities, enabling individuals and organisations to connect, share experiences, pool resources and exchange ideas. Storytelling is an increasingly important part of our communication channels, allowing us to weave a narrative that platforms positive action and highlights the larger movement we are all a part of.


    3. Advocacy & campaigning

    As the climate crisis continues to intensify and our 2030 targets get closer we know that making changes on an individual level alone will not be enough. To incite the changes we need to realise our vision, GCC will shift our focus from changing individual behaviours to changing the cultures and systems of the sector. Through advocacy, campaigning and harnessing the power of our collective voice, we will focus on key leverage points and work with suppliers and industry bodies to ensure that the transition to an environmentally responsible art world is as aligned and seamless as possible for our membership.