Two years ago, on 2 & 3 March 2023, Whitechapel Gallery and GCC came together to host Climate Crisis >> Art Action, a groundbreaking symposium tackling the most pressing environmental challenges facing the UK’s public arts institutions. Now, as we reflect on the legacy of this event, it’s clear that its connections made and conversations it sparked continue to shape climate action in the sector today.

The symposium took place at the Bishopsgate Institute, bringing together key figures from the arts and climate sectors to discuss decarbonisation, institutional responsibility, and systemic change. The event featured thought-provoking panels and presentations from speakers such as Emma Brown (Just Stop Oil), Frances Morris (then Director of Tate Modern), and Alison Tickell (Founder & CEO, Julie’s Bicycle), alongside leaders from public institutions, grassroots organisations, and climate science, concluding with an original performance by Love Ssega (musician, producer, artist).

A Defining Moment for Climate Action in the Arts

Looking back, Climate Crisis >> Art Action was more than just a conference—it was a catalyst for change. The event marked a turning point for many individuals as well as organisations, offering both inspiration and practical frameworks to begin or accelerate their sustainability efforts. In the two years since, we’ve heard from countless arts professionals who cite the symposium as their entry point into climate action—a moment that transformed their understanding of their institution’s role in tackling the climate crisis.

As Gilane Tawadros, Director of Whitechapel Gallery, reflects:

“Whitechapel Gallery is proud to have been a partner with the Gallery Climate Coalition on its ground-breaking conference ‘Climate Crisis: Art Action’ in March 2023. The conference marked a significant turning point in awareness and understanding of the climate crisis in relation to the gallery and museum sector. Most importantly, the conference acted as a critical call to action and provided a supportive and practical framework for museums and galleries to move forward confidently in addressing our responsibilities together.”

Building on the Momentum

In the wake of the symposium, GCC developed the Decarbonisation Action Plan, a step-by-step guide tailored specifically for the public arts sector. This essential resource provides practical recommendations for institutions looking to reduce their carbon footprint across key operational areas, including:

• Climate control & energy use

• Exhibition design & shipping

• Loan agreements & insurance considerations

• Digital emissions & sustainable communications

The ‘Climate Crisis >> Art Action Resource Hub’ remains an active platform, providing access to symposium recordings, resources for local action, and tools for climate justice. If you missed the event or want to revisit key insights, you can explore the recordings and resources here: 

The conversations sparked by Climate Crisis >> Art Action continue to inform and shape GCC’s work today. The collaborations forged during the event have led to new initiatives, institutional commitments, and the continued push for decarbonisation across the arts sector.

Two years on, the urgency remains, but so does the momentum. Public arts institutions have a critical role to play in demonstrating climate leadership, and the tools and frameworks are now in place to support them.

We encourage all those who attended—and those who are just beginning their climate action journey—to revisit the resources from the event and explore the practical steps they can take today.

Explore the Resource Hub & Watch the Symposium Recordings Here.