At RECHARGE 2024, we’re all about sparking action and providing the tools to drive change in the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs). Our panel discussion on Sustainability in the CCIs, chaired by Megan Best, highlighted a critical need: access to practical resources that help organizations integrate sustainable practices into their operations.
This post is designed as your go-to guide for those resources. Whether you’re looking to reduce waste, align with sustainability standards, or explore funding for green initiatives, we've gathered links and insights to help you move forward.
Meet Our Panel
Megan Best
The CEO of Native Events, co-founder and Director of Julie’s Bicycle Europe, and curator and host of The Green Room on Dublin City FM. Megan is an advocate for transformational change towards more environmentally responsible practices in the CCIs, working across festivals, events, and cultural institutions to implement sustainable solutions.
Jed Dowling
Jed is the Dublin Pride Festival Director and Pride At Work Programme Lead. He has a background in HR and education in the health care sector and has been an LGBTQ+ activist for over two decades.
Lisa Fitzsimons
Lisa Fitzsimons is the Strategy and Sustainability Lead at the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA), where she oversees the integration of sustainability principles into the museum's strategic direction. With a deep commitment to embedding sustainable practices within the organisation, Lisa leads IMMA's efforts to align its five-year strategic vision with sustainability goals. Her work emphasises the intersection of contemporary art, cultural leadership, and community engagement, best realised through the museum’s annual Earth Rising festival which she produces.
Bernie McCoy
Bernie is a Lecturer in Design at NCAD. She serves as the Academic Lead and Co-Chair of the inter-institutional Academic Development Group for Creative Futures Academy. She supports the development and validation of new programmes across NCAD's Schools of Design, Fine Art, Education, and Visual Culture and has extensive experience in collaborative practice, innovation, and ethical and sustainable entrepreneurship.
Irma McLoughlin
Irma McLoughlin, Director of the Performing Arts Forum, has over 25 years of experience in theatre and arts leadership, with a strong focus on promoting sustainability in the sector. Since 2019, Performing Arts Forum has partnered with Catríona Fallon to run the Green Arts Initiative in Ireland, guided by Creative Carbon Scotland. Key projects include Greener Touring, Greening Arts Centres, and the upcoming launch of the Irish version of the Theatre Green Book, a practical guide for sustainable theatre practices.
Irma is also currently completing a Micro-credential in Climate Leadership at Trinity College.
Key Resources for Sustainability in the Cultural and Creative Industries
Native Events
Native Events leads the charge on transforming how events are planned and executed, offering sustainable solutions for festivals, events, and cultural projects. Their expertise is invaluable for those in the CCIs looking to host eco-friendly events.
Julie’s Bicycle Europe
Julie’s Bicycle Europe and its UK counterpart, Julie’s Bicycle, are pioneering organizations offering comprehensive resources for embedding sustainability into cultural policy, operations, and strategy. They provide everything from toolkits to policy advice.
The Green Room – Dublin City FM
Tune in to The Green Room on Dublin City FM to hear conversations around sustainability, culture, and creativity, hosted by our panel chair Megan Best. It’s a great way to stay updated on the latest trends and innovations in sustainability for the arts.
The Arts Council – Climate Action
Arts Council Climate Action Resources offers a wide range of supports for arts organizations looking to make their practices more sustainable. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to deepen your existing efforts, this is a vital resource.
Sustainability Toolkit for the Arts
The Sustainability Toolkit is an all-in-one guide for organizations in the CCIs, providing practical steps, case studies, and advice on reducing your carbon footprint and increasing sustainability.
Fáilte Ireland Sustainable Festivals Guidelines
For those working in festivals and events, Fáilte Ireland's Sustainable Festivals Guidelines are a must-read. They offer actionable advice for hosting greener, more eco-conscious festivals.
Plastic-Free Festivals Guide
The Guide to Plastic-Free Festivals and Events helps event organizers drastically reduce single-use plastics and implement zero-waste solutions at their events.
Design Declares
Design Declares provides a platform for designers to commit to sustainable practices, whether through the design of products, spaces, or experiences. This is a key resource for creative professionals keen on fostering change through design innovation.
Creative Boardroom – Collaborate4Climate
The Creative Boardroom initiative, funded by the Creative Climate Action Fund, focuses on how CCIs can lead the decarbonization movement and support cultural shifts towards sustainability.
Sustainable Exhibition Making
Professional Certificate in Sustainable Exhibition Making is a course designed for curators and cultural leaders looking to develop sustainable exhibition practices.
Circular by Design
The MA in Circular by Design program helps creative professionals integrate circular economy principles into their design processes, encouraging sustainable entrepreneurship and production models.
Art and Ecology Diploma
Professional Diploma in Art and Ecology offers a deep dive into how art can engage with and address ecological challenges, providing skills and frameworks for sustainable creative practices.
