Let’s Change Culture: What next?
Over the past few months, we’ve been gathering in Plymouth, exploring how the culture sector can respond meaningfully to the climate and ecological emergencies. Through deep discussions, creative workshops, and shared inquiry, we’ve uncovered key questions, tensions, and opportunities that shape our ability to act.
We’ve explored the Sustainable Development Goals and reflected on how, while no one can do everything, each of us can find meaningful ways to contribute to the collective effort—whether that’s through storytelling, making, advocacy, or systems change. We revisited Bury the Carbon Giant and recognised that while technical solutions are vital, the real challenge is often cultural. How do we shift mindsets, habits, and the deep-rooted narratives that shape our behaviors?
The Challenges We Face
We examined Devon’s climate priorities—energy systems, retrofitting buildings, green skills, nature-based solutions, and community engagement—and asked deeper questions about the barriers to progress. Again and again, we returned to the idea that:
Change isn’t just about infrastructure; it’s about culture. Investing in the grid won’t be enough unless we also reshape our expectations about energy demand.
Retrofitting homes won’t succeed unless we change financial and policy structures to make it accessible.
Green skills development won’t work unless we shift what we value—so that regenerative work is seen as essential, not niche.
Nature-based solutions will always be limited if we don’t challenge economic drivers that continue to degrade land and ecosystems.
Community engagement only works when it shifts power, not just informs people.
This wasn’t just an intellectual exercise. Many of us are feeling the weight of these challenges personally—as artists, cultural workers, and citizens. We asked:
How can we do this work without burning out?
How do we make a living while contributing to systemic change?
How can art and creativity support transformation in ways that feel meaningful rather than performative?
How the Arts Can Support Systemic Change
One of our biggest realisations has been that the culture sector is not here to “fix” the climate crisis in technical terms. But what we can do is shift the conditions in which change happens.
1. Reframing the Role of Art
Art is not a sustainability checklist. It is a way of shifting perspectives, engaging emotions, and making alternative futures feel possible. Whether through storytelling, visual interventions, or participatory projects, we can create spaces where people imagine new ways of living and working.
2. Working at a Human Scale
Trying to tackle the whole system is overwhelming. But small, specific projects—like Moths to a Flame—can shift culture in meaningful ways without draining us completely.
3. Building Alliances Without Losing Autonomy
Collaboration with funders, businesses, and policymakers is necessary, but it doesn’t mean adopting their mindset. We can leverage resources while maintaining creative independence.
4. Prioritising Energy & Wellbeing
This work requires long-term commitment, and that means avoiding burnout. Rest, joy, and play aren’t luxuries—they are strategies for resilience.
Funding the Work Without Losing the Mission
A core tension in this process has been how to make this financially viable. Climate action and cultural work are both underfunded, so what are the options?
Finding funders who understand cultural change (Paul Hamlyn, Esmée Fairbairn, etc.), though competition is fierce.
Strategic partnerships (like with the emerging green energy sector) that need creative ways to engage people in climate transitions.
Framing the work as desirable experiences—art commissions, immersive events, workshops that people want to take part in.
Exploring ethical patronage—could there be new models of cultural funding from those with resources to support systemic change?
Creating circular revenue models—sustainable arts projects that generate income rather than relying on grants alone.
What Needs to Happen Next?
One of the biggest takeaways from this series has been the importance of shifting conditions—not just reacting to problems, but actively shaping the environment where change can take root.
From our discussions and experiments, these 10 conditions for change emerged:
Spaces for Experimentation & Imagination – Safe, low-risk environments where people can prototype new ideas.
Cultural Permission to Step Outside the Status Quo – Normalising alternative ways of working, creating, and living.
Stronger Relationships & Local Resilience – Building networks of support across sectors.
Visibility of Emerging Alternatives – Making regenerative work more visible and aspirational.
Creative Ways to Fund the Transition – Finding financial models that don’t deplete resources but sustain change.
A Culture of Creative Courage & Persistence – Encouraging people to keep going even when the path is uncertain.
Redistribution of Power & Resources – Moving from consultation to real agency for communities.
Moments of Disruption & Opportunity – Being ready to step in when the old system falters.
A Sense of Meaning & Purpose – Recognising the emotional and cultural aspects of transformation.
The Ability to Let Go of Old Systems – Creating rituals and cultural practices that help people release what no longer serves.
Where Do We Go From Here?
During our final session, we explored how we see and create spaces for change—embossing recycled metal puree tubes into tokens to carry with us. These small, tactile reminders symbolise our commitment to holding onto what we’ve learned while stepping forward.
So, what’s next?
We want to hear from you:
What ideas, challenges, or opportunities do you want to explore next?
What support do you need to keep going?
What does real, systemic cultural change look like from where you stand?
Let’s shape the next stage of Let’s Change Culture—together.