Conference Outcomes

Initial formulation of the outcomes of Culture|Futures gatherings on 7 - 9 December 2009 in Copenhagen

Over the coming months a strategy will be developed that outlines how Culture|Futures will support, encourage and guide cultural players who wish to be engaged in enabling cultural change. To support and maintain the dialogue which took place at the gatherings on 7 - 9th December, an initial formulation (as at 11th December) is given here.

1. Culture is a catalyst: It is now time to for cultural agents across the globe to take the initiative and act together

Culture is a ‘catalyst’ for behavioral, social, and structural change. This means that cultural agents (such as artists, musicians, filmmakers, media, architects, designers, practitioners of sports, hobbies, games, educators, as well as of different faith and beliefs and many more) have a responsibility in relation to humanity’s ecological challenges: catalysts must both enable change and live the transition themselves.

Culture is part of everyday life and cultural agents, by the nature of their activity, enter into people’s lives and are broadly appreciated and trusted. The influence of cultural agents comes about by their:

  • sensing, translating, interpreting and narrating messages
  • creating and interpreting spaces and infrastructure for open dialogue, reflection, enjoyment and life
  • inviting counter-narratives and imaginaries
  • bridging between the local and the global, intimacy and outlook.

The thinking and everyday actions of citizens may be influenced so that in time their natural behaviour will lead to an ecological age.

Accordingly, we believe it is time for cultural agents to offer collective leadership and to seriously consider their commitment to achieving an ecological age by 2050.

2. Culture has real value for delivering global 2050 goals

Culture has the potential to play a central part in the transition to an ecological age and is now beginning to do so. There is massive potential for cultural agents around the world to make an ever greater contribution over the coming years.

It has been suggested that 40% of a successful transition to an ecological age in 2050 relies on cultural change, i.e. changes in the way citizens go about their lives.

Therefore culture and cultural agents have real value for achieving a sustainable future.

3. Enabling cultural change

To be a lightning rod for change of civic behavior and structural change, cultural agents can:

  • Drive communication reaching the diverse communities of the world
  • Bridge to politicians and other major change stakeholders to create an enabling environment for behavioral and structural change
  • Evaluate efforts for change to foster best use of human and financial resources.

Letter to the President of COP15 with the messages from Culture|Futures

 

 

 

 

Follow us

Change colours:
Black text