The IVC programme has a rich and inspiring history that began during a time of global uncertainty. In 2020, as the world grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic, a group of dedicated arts professionals in Berlin came together to pioneer GCC’s volunteer initiative. This collective brought their time, energy, and expertise to create something positive in difficult circumstances. They set the tone for the many groups that followed, demonstrating the incredible power of community-driven action. From those early days, the IVC programme grew into something truly special, with volunteers around the world contributing to our shared mission.

Over the past three years, the IVCs have achieved a tremendous amount. We have seen tangible progress, from local climate initiatives to global advocacy efforts.

Amongst many other achievements, GCC Berlin advocated for sustainable action in the art world at Berlin Art Week, through a booth at Hallen #4 and a Climate Talk Panel. GCC Italia held a booth at International Modern and Contemporary Art Fair Milan and organised a generous artwork donation by Loris Cecchini. GCC Los Angeles co-hosted a programme of Art + Climate Action (A+CA) community meetings with Galleries Commit, and shared local low waste resources in the Frieze LA welcome guide/exhibitor manual. GCC New York issued a call to action by bringing together the leaders of New York’s arts world at a galvanising event at the Guggenheim Museum. GCC Spain called for #ClimateConsciousTravel through several displays at ARCOMadrid, encouraging visitors to get the #TrainToARCOMadrid rather than flying. GCC Taiwan introduced GCC’s Carbon Calculator to Taiwan at a community event, raising the profile of GCC and other environmental initiatives including Greenpeace Taiwan. This list could go on.

The work done by these groups has been nothing short of remarkable. 

Over the past year, we have increased engagement with our volunteer groups to understand their challenges and needs. The overwhelming feedback indicated that the chapters require significant financial investments to a higher degree than GCC can provide. We are steadfast in our commitment to providing sector-specific guidance on climate action and environmental responsibility free of charge. We do not receive any governmental support and therefore rely heavily on voluntary donations and grant funding. 

Recognising that there is both a need and a demand to continue to support a wide network of climate action advocates, we have been developing a new initiative that we are confident will offer meaningful opportunities for individuals to engage in climate action while allowing us to better align our resources with our goals. The insights we’ve gained from the IVC programme will inform this new engagement initiative that we believe will be more sustainable for both the GCC team and our members. We are looking forward to sharing more details about this programme in the near future.

Whilst the formal structure of the IVC programme is coming to an end, the spirit of volunteerism and grassroots action that it embodied will live on. The organisations and individuals who have been part of the IVC programme remain an integral part of our international community. Nothing changes in this regard, and we look forward to continuing working with them as valued members of our coalition and active advocates for climate action.

We remain globally active, and with many exciting projects in the pipeline. If you would like to support GCC during this transition, we invite you to consider joining our Supporters Circle to help sustain our vital work.

I want to take this opportunity to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who has been involved in the IVC programme. The individuals and their contributions are too numerous to mention individually, but each one has made a lasting impact on the GCC team and the coalition as a whole. The connections we’ve made and the friendships we’ve built along the way are a testament to the strength of our community. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generosity, hard work, and unwavering commitment to the cause and for being an essential part of this journey. Thank you for your understanding and support with this decision.

Sincerely,

Heath Lowndes

GCC Managing Director