Thank you for being part of SCALE, our growing network of artists and arts organizations committed to making change towards greener, more just futures. As summer melts into fall, we hope you’ve found time to reflect and recharge for the big year ahead. For me, this summer was about realizing the power of networks in making change. I was able to take a few weeks away from managing SCALE’s day-to-day operations to participate in two intensive climate-arts workshops that were charged with learning, inspiration and new connections. The first was the Creative Climate Leadership course co-hosted by Julie’s Bicycle and Centre for Sustainable Practice in the Arts, held at the Barrier Lake Field Station in Kananaskis, AB. I am grateful for the wealth of learning and multitude of new relationships sparked during this unforgettable week in the mountains. From Kananaskis, I traveled immediately to Toronto for a week-long intensive workshop on Irresistible Worlds, a research project which aims to develop a new methodology and evaluative framework for climate-arts, with reference to the three-modes-of-engagement framework which has informed much of SCALE’s work to date. I’m looking forward to sharing more information about this research soon! Both of these rich experiences with fellow climate-arts champions highlighted for me the value of networks to co-create green and just futures. Sharing my reflections with the SCALE team has renewed our commitment to build SCALE into the most dynamic, diverse and effective network possible. We celebrate the great work you are already doing at the intersection of climate and culture; our mission is to connect you all to each other to share ideas, collaborate and grow the movement for greater impact. Everyone is needed, and everyone is welcome.
Please see below for some of this month’s news items.
In gratitude and solidarity, Judi Pearl Operations Lead
P.S. Please help us grow our network by forwarding this email and encouraging your colleagues to join our mailing list here. If you would like to become more involved in SCALE—by attending Roundtable meetings, joining a committee, partnering with us on a project, or by any other means—please contact us at info@scale-lesaut.ca.
PACT Green Award – apply by September 16
Professional Association of Canadian Theatres A new initiative of PACT’s Environmental Stewardship Committee, the PACT Green Award honours programming from companies and/or artists that inspires theatre workers and theatregoers to engage with the climate crisis and environmental stewardship in creative and exciting ways. Projects could include theatrical productions, events, or initiatives that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to taking action against climate change and/or fostering sustainable practices. For this inaugural year, projects that have taken place from March 2020 to June 2022 are eligible. You do not need to be a PACT member to be eligible. Applications are open until September 16th, 2022 at 11:59pm, and the award will be granted in November. Further info and application form here.
Les Vivats Awards – apply by September 16
Hundreds of event organizers in Quebec have chosen to reduce their environmental footprint and improve their social and economic footprint. The Vivats competition, the awards for responsible events produced by CQEER and presented by LOTO-QUÉBEC and RECYC-QUÉBEC, is an opportunity to pay tribute to them. Further info and nomination form here.
Net Zero Advisory Body – Government of Canada – apply by September 22
The Minister of Environment and Climate Change is inviting interested Canadians to apply to join the independent Net-Zero Advisory Body (NZAB). The NZAB plays an important role under the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act by providing independent advice to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change on how Canada can achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, including advice on interim climate targets and plans. It’s crucial that representatives from the arts and culture sector are included in the NZAB to advocate for the cultural dimensions of the ecological transition. We encourage you to consider applying, and to share with your networks. Further info here. Global Climate Strike – September 23 Our friends at Fridays for Future are once again leading the charge for the global climate strike. Map of actions and further info here. Hope to see everyone out on the streets on September 23! (And in case you missed it, here’s a peek at Fridays for Future founder Greta Thunberg’s foray into rock stardom.)
Canadian Climate Music Summit – October 21, Toronto
Music Declares Emergency Canada has teamed up with the Canadian Live Music Association to launch the first edition of the Canadian Climate Music Summit. Ahead of COP27 in Egypt this year, this will be a day of climate presentations and conversations to share knowledge, tools and resources to help the music industry rebuild from COVID-19 with climate at the forefront. There will be a one day summit (conference) followed by an evening panel and concert, with David Suzuki as our keynote speaker and a diverse range of performances. More information and full lineup to come next week! Watch MDE’s socials for updates: @candeclares (Twitter) @musicdeclaresca (Instagram)
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