Supporting the creative industries to address the climate crisis and reframe systems, narratives and practices for a climate-aligned future, Creative Climate has announced its commitment to placing the arts at the forefront of Australia’s climate transformation.
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.
Funded by Creative Australia over four years, the consortium is led by Green Music Australia and brings together A Climate for Art, Centre for Reworlding and pvi collective, alongside facilitators Angharad Wynne-Jones and Catherine Jones, with environmental consultant Matt Wicking.
“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,” said Angharad Wynne-Jones, Creative Climate Co-Facilitator.
Through policy advocacy, sector engagement and capacity building, the alliance provides practical tools, tailored insights and coordinated leadership to help the creative sector transition away from a carbon-based economy and adapt to climate impacts. 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
Creative sector priorities
Between February and June 2025, Creative Climate consulted with over 40 practitioners as part of an ongoing effort to engage the sector. While there is strong commitment to climate action, the consultations revealed several key needs and gaps:
- Accessible tools and peer learning opportunities
- Enhanced leadership support and climate governance strategies
- Guidance to prevent greenwashing and build climate literacy
- First Nations-led frameworks and cultural protocols
- Residencies and networks to foster grassroots action
- Dedicated funding for climate initiatives
- Tailored support to embed decarbonisation and regenerative practices
Upcoming initiatives and programs
Creative Climate urges 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.
In a 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.
“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,” said Helen Salmon, British Council Australia Director. “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.”
The consortium is developing a free, Australia-specific carbon calculator to help arts organisations better understand their emissions ahead of upcoming mandatory climate-related financial disclosures – marking a significant step toward greater transparency and accountability in its sector.
“We welcome the establishment of Creative Climate, as an initiative that directly responds to the sector’s clear demand for practical, sector-led tools and resources,” said Zohar Spatz, Creative Australia Head of Community and Experimental.
“Creative Climate will equip artists, organisations and creative businesses with essential expertise, enabling them to embed sustainable practices and adapt effectively to a rapidly changing world.”
Artists, organisations and institutions are invited to join this collective shift by placing decarbonisation, regenerative and adaptive practices, care for Country and cultural leadership in Australia’s creative future.
For more information about Creative Climate and their current and upcoming initiatives and programs, visit: www.creativeclimate.org.au for details.
Image: Angharad Wynne-Jones, Creative Climate Co-Facilitator (supplied)