It is essential to advocate for environmental responsibility within the visual arts community. It is common, however, to encounter hesitations and concerns when beginning advocacy work, such as the fear of misinformation, or worries about repercussions, particularly for artists. 

In this blog, we address common apprehensions and provide practical strategies for effective advocacy such as addressing misinformation with honesty and humility, and how to navigate concerns about professional reputation. These guidelines offer insights and tools to empower individuals to advocate confidently for environmental responsibility within the visual arts sector. 

“I’m not a climate change expert, I don’t want to get things wrong”

No one is an expert, that’s the first thing to remember. Nor do you have to be an expert to advocate for change. Artists have explored environmental themes in their work for centuries, but to integrate environmental responsibility into artistic practice and the workings of the visual arts sector, is a relatively new endeavour. Your position on this matter is important. Be honest about the fact you don’t have all the answers, and that progress is a journey. 

Of course, perpetrating false information is something we all want to avoid. Cite sources if you are referring to specific data and don’t be afraid to say you don’t know the answer. 

It is worth acknowledging that often there is no clear ‘right’ or ‘wrong’, and that there are varied opinions on the wide range of topics at the centre of climate discourse. When it comes to choosing sustainable packaging, for example, the ‘best’ option depends on the fragility of the artwork, type, duration and frequency of transport, the origin country, potential socio-environmental impacts, and the aftercare of the packaging materials.

GCC is here to help you too, if you have questions or concerns about anything climate related in the visual arts, reach out to us and we will do our best to support you!

“I don’t want to get ‘cancelled’ if I say/do something wrong”

Don’t strive for perfection. If we waited until everyone was 100% perfect before we advocated for environmental responsibility, we would never create the change we need. We are all learning! Be honest about the fact that in a society still largely reliant on fossil fuels, it is impossible for anyone to ‘be perfect’. 

Be open about the fact that parts of this transition are positive on many levels, such as the beneficial impacts on human health when switching to less toxic materials, but also be open to the possibility that some aspects of the transition to environmental responsibility will undeniably be difficult.

Aim to bring your collaborators and audience on your sustainability journey with you. Remember, no one is an expert, but by sharing your learnings as you go, you can help elevate the sector as a whole. 

“My practice is not in itself about nature or environmental concerns. I don't want my advocacy for the planet to be confused with my practice.”

There are some steps you can take to help disentangle climate advocacy from your practice. One strategy that works well is to verbally separate your advocacy from your practice. Think about how you frame the conversation. For example, you could say, “As a human with concerns about the planet…” rather than, “As an artist with concerns about the planet…”

Using the various email templates and an Environmental Responsibility Rider to communicate your environmental concerns can make your advocacy more organisational rather than topical.

As the climate emergency worsens, the environmental crisis will become the context we are all working within, rather than a subject matter to explore. Whether or not your work directly responds to the climate crisis, the more people that speak up, the more this context will be understood.

“I’m worried that speaking out may impact my ability to get future work”

Thankfully, most people now have some level of understanding about the climate crisis. According to the Office for National Statistics, 75% of adults in Great Britain say that they are worried about the impact of climate change. Given that GCC’s membership stands at over 1,200, we are confident that many in the visual arts sector also feel this way. Take pride in the fact that you are part of a sector-wide movement that is shaping a better art world for the future.

“This is part of our XYZ policy... we can't change XYZ [insert excuse for climate inaction here]”

One of the best tools we have when faced with resistance in climate advocacy is the question “why?”. If you’re being told that you can’t use specific materials, ship or travel in a low-carbon way, or update the climate control settings in an exhibition space, start the conversation by asking the relevant parties, “why?”

Try to assess whether this resistance stems from a budgetary, legal or insurance concern - or just an outdated habit that needs to be revisited. If it’s the latter, it may be a case of careful diplomacy in order to make a change. If it’s the former, don’t give up! See our advice on insurance or financing, or get in touch with GCC - it may be an issue that another member has come up against, and we can work together to overcome the obstacles to change.

“Am I doing enough?”

You are reading this, and that is commendable itself. Every action, no matter how small, contributes to the collective effort toward environmental responsibility. While individual actions are valuable, sometimes it can feel that nothing we do is enough, when it is the large-scale, systemic change that’s needed. However, it is worth being aware that both are connected; it is about finding a balance between personal action, advocating for broader change, and supporting policies and the organisations that are working to create systemic change. 

Keep in mind that progress takes time and effort. It is an urgent and necessary process, which at the same time can bring joy by connecting with people and collectives that you want to work with, and also personal growth. Joining collectives like GCC or Artists Commit can help to amplify your actions as an individual, and builds the much-needed momentum to create systemic changes.