Let’s Change Culture: Considering the SDGs
The more you learn the more you realise that there is WAY MORE to learn. I’m feeling pretty lucky today to be learning again with The School of Social Entrepreneurs new programme supporting socially and environmentally engaged enterprises to connect, learn from each other and overcome some of the challenges we face.
One of our perennial challenges is ‘Can we earn money doing this work?’…and this draws out the question ‘What value do you offer?' and ‘How do you prove this?’ There are all sorts of accrediting bodies out there and if you pay them or jump through their hoops they will give you a badge that says you are doing okay and supports your legitimacy.
One such guide that can help you determine whether you’re actually contributing to the journey towards a better world is the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
To sum up how I used these in the past - I became aware of them….I read them, and was somewhat overwhelmed, but then thought ‘Thank goodness some clever people out there have had a good think about what could be done’……Then I thought ‘Yes, we do some of those things’….. And that was that.
Yesterday I had a good think about which of the sustainable development goals we are contributing to with the aim of sharing this thinking and encouraging you to do that same. Can those of us working in support of a better world wear these badges better?
The Art and Energy Collective contributes to multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by combining creativity with climate action and community engagement. Here’s how:
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
Promote renewable energy awareness through creative engagement.
Develop solar artworks that integrate renewable energy into cultural spaces.
Help communities understand and transition to low-carbon energy systems.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Engage local communities in creative projects that promote sustainability.
Use public art to spark conversations about climate resilience and urban energy transitions.
Encourage placemaking through creative, energy-conscious interventions.
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
Encourage creatives and communities to consider sustainability in creative work.
Highlight energy and material supply chains through storytelling and education.
Support a culture shift away from extractivism toward regenerative creativity.
SDG 13: Climate Action
Raise awareness of climate change through participatory art.
Inspire behavioral change by making the climate crisis emotionally and culturally resonant.
Advocate for low-carbon lifestyles through accessible, engaging artistic interventions.
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Collaborate with energy organisations to bridge the cultural and energy sectors.
Work with local authorities, community groups, and artists to drive climate engagement.
Leverage partnerships to amplify creative solutions for the energy transition.
Other SDGs where the Art and Energy Collective has Indirect Impact:
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being → Arts-based climate engagement supports mental health and resilience.
SDG 4: Quality Education → Creative projects educate people about energy, materials, creativity and sustainability.
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure → Support innovation in solar art and cultural infrastructure.