SCALE launches national initiative with leading sector partners and diverse advisory circle
Ottawa, ON — SCALE is proud to announce the launch of a bold, 18-month initiative that positions c\a\n\a\d\a’s arts and culture sector as an active contributor to climate solutions. Supported by the Canada Council for the Arts and delivered in collaboration with national partners CARFAC, IMAA, ARCA, and PACT, the initiative will build the tools, knowledge, and partnerships needed to embed climate action across the sector.
“This is not about making the arts ‘greener’—it’s about recognising arts and culture as essential infrastructure in climate adaptation, resilience, and community well-being,” says Annette Hegel, Organisational Development and Network Lead of SCALE. “The sector has a unique role to play, and we’re stepping into it—guided by Indigenous leadership, climate science, and a deep commitment to justice.”
At the core of the project is the development of a National Climate Action Framework for the arts and culture sector, alongside practical tools, training programs, and a national knowledge-sharing platform. The initiative also prioritises equity, reconciliation, and regional inclusion, ensuring that the sector’s transition aligns with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and broader climate justice movements.
SCALE has convened a national Advisory Circle to guide this work—bringing together artists, organisers, curators, sustainability experts, and cultural workers from across disciplines, geographies, and perspectives:
- Wayne Dunkley – Multidisciplinary artist, educator, and facilitator, (Sechelt, BC)
- Vivianne Gosselin – Curator and researcher, Museum of Vancouver (Vancouver, BC)
- Theresie Tungilik – Artist and arts advocate; CARFAC National President (Kangiqliniq, NU)
- Tara Windatt – Artist, curator, and arts administrator (Sturgeon Falls, ON)
- Peter Morin – Artist, curator, and scholar, OCAD U (Toronto, ON)
- Nichika Ramadoo – Cultural worker and organiser, Hillside Festival (Guelph, ON)
- Lindsey Wilson – Artist, cultural organiser and advocate, IMAA (Ottawa, ON)
- Laura Caswell – Performer, educator, and arts leader, Stephenville Theatre Festival (Halifax, NS)
- Janna Wale – Climate justice advocate, Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions (Nanaimo, BC)
- Devon Hardy – Sustainability strategist and arts consultant, CSPA (Montréal, QC)
Through their combined insight, the initiative will ensure that small, mid-size, and large organisations alike can take meaningful steps toward decarbonisation—while contributing to cultural narratives that make climate action personal, urgent, and collective.
Over the coming months, the initiative will roll out a series of toolkits, workshops, policy recommendations, and collaborative partnerships. A climate policy development workshop for small arts organisations is among the first offerings, with more sector-wide activities to follow.
For media inquiries, interviews, or partnership interest, please contact annette@scale-lesaut.ca
