Eighteenth International Conference on the Arts in Society

Abstract

Climate change threatens human and planetary health and while science has demonstrated the obvious solutions - humanity simply needs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions – but the realization of that solution is impeded by social and political realities, a lack of ecological literacy amongst decision-makers, and often an absence of will on the part of society. The environmental crisis is therefore a cultural crisis, and a sustainable future is only attainable if we transform culture. The Arts play a critical role in that artists and arts organizations have been identified as strong partners in changing culture with a significant influence on the development of cultural norms. Yet to date there have been very little research associated with the role that the Arts can play in creating a sustainable future. This is not a surprise, as scholars and artists are often isolated from each other because of limited opportunities for knowledge exchange and a lack of common methods for knowledge mobilization. In this paper we outline a recent Canadian research project that seeks to: identify scholars working in sustainability and the Arts (SATA); contribute knowledge to the field by examining the challenges and barriers to SATA research; and undertake a Delphi study that aims to develop a comprehensive research strategy for SATA scholarship in the future. This project is building knowledge and understanding in the field of SATA, and serves as a mechanism to begin a larger dialogue about the role that SATA research can play in achieving a sustainable future.