Introducing Creative Climate, Australia's New Arts-Led Climate Alliance

There is no denying that the climate crisis is fatally worsening day by day - the earth is now warming faster than at any point in recorded history. Things are looking dire as millions around the world are protesting the lack of government intervention in this catastrophe.

But, here in the arts world, there is a semblance of hope, as the national call to action Creative Climate is being launched.

Creative Climate is a national consortium dedicated to building a low-carbon, adaptive, and regenerative arts sector. As part of a broader movement, it recognises culture is both shaped by the climate crisis and instrumental in reshaping it.

Angharad Wynne-Jones, the Creative Climate Co-Facilitator, explains, “Creative Climate is about building the framework – the networks, resources and shared knowledge – that the arts need to face the climate crisis with coherence and courage. This alliance is a practical invitation for the sector to act collectively and creatively in the face of the climate crisis.”

Funded by Creative Australia and led by Green Music Australia, the alliance provides the tools, knowledge, and leadership to help the creative sector transition away from a carbon-based economy and adapt to climate impacts. 

Berish Bilander, the CEO of Green Music Australia says, “Creative Climate empowers the cultural sector to put values into action on climate – turning passion into practical outcomes. Whether it’s green venue certification or tools to track emissions, our goal is to make sustainability a core part of how art is made, shared and supported in Australia.”

Creative Climate will no doubt be instrumental in improving Australia’s political attitude to the crisis through urging the creative sector to act now by assessing climate risks, setting policies, tracking emissions, engaging stakeholders and embedding decarbonisation and nature-first approaches into daily operations.

Creative Climate’s work is guided by four strategic pillars:

• Policy integration – embedding culture in national climate policy

• Decarbonisation – driving emissions reduction and sector resilience

• Cultural transformation – using arts and culture to shift narratives and inspire climate action

• First Nations leadership – investing in Indigenous-led cultural frameworks and care for Country

In two-year partnership with British Council Australia, Creative Climate is delivering programs connecting practitioners in the UK and Australia, sharing climate knowledge and strengthening international networks.

Helen Salmon, the British Council Australia Director, states, “The British Council is proud to support the launch of Creative Climate, a vital initiative that places the arts at the heart of climate action. This artist-centred consortium is exactly the kind of innovation we champion – bringing together diverse expertise to create meaningful change through creative expression. We're delighted to collaborate in this important mission to strengthen our creative sectors for the long term, while contributing to public engagement with sustainable futures.”

Upcoming Creative Climate initiatives and programs include:

• Knowledge Keepers – a national First Nations-led circle of Elders, artists and knowledge holders shaping care for Country and cultural protocols.

• BILYA – a relational mapping tool by Centre for Reworlding and High Volume connecting artists, funders, researchers and organisations working at the intersection of art and climate.

• Adaptive Futures – an online training series with PAC Australia for performing arts venues on risk, decarbonisation, regeneration and communications.

• Green Venue Certification – a pilot program led by Green Music Australia, supporting cultural venues committed to environmental action.

• Planting in Naarm – a community gathering led by First Nations Elders with MAP Co, Landcare and Melbourne Water, focused on care for Country, native planting and cultural workshops at Fed Square.

• COP31 planning forums – regular national gatherings facilitated by Centre for Reworlding to coordinate artist-led climate initiatives ahead of COP31 in 2026.

• Podcast series – curated by A Climate for Art, featuring conversations between the UK and Australian artists and climate activists.

Creative Climate will be offering leadership, advocacy, and resources to support artists, organisations and funders transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient future.

The launch of Creative Climate will take place at the The Edge, Federation Square, Naarm (Melbourne), on Thursday June 26 at 9am or via Zoom on Friday June 27 at 11.30am.

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