The Relationship Between Funding and Sustainability

Sponsorship and funding applications frequently acknowledge and sometimes actively support sustainable working. Financial cuts in the sector mean it is essential to reassess our position, so we can produce touring exhibitions in a sustainable way that does not reduce the quality of the visitor experience.

• Arts Council England require that those in receipt of funding have an environmental policy and action plan. They also ask that organisations collect data on emissions from energy and water use. This information must be submitted on an annual basis. Since implementing the requirements, ACE have seen substantial financial, reputational and team morale benefits in the organisations involved.
• Arts Council England’s partnership with Julie’s Bicycle supports major funded organisations in their environmental sustainability efforts. They provide IG Tools that allow organisations to measure their environmental impact through reporting. They have significant resources available on their website that organisations of all sizes and levels of funding can utilise. They can also help with developing or updating your environmental policy and action plan.
• The Mayor of London’s Green Visual Arts Guide outlines the steps towards more sustainable exhibitions for visual arts organisations. The focus of the report for exhibitions is on reducing transport and improving the design and construction of displays. If you are in London, you can also sign up to the Mayor’s Green Procurement Code which supports organisations committed to reducing their environmental impact.
• The AIM Sustainability Grant Scheme is intended to help museums improve their medium and long term sustainability.
• The Happy Museum Project looks at how UK museums can become more sustainable. They commission museum projects aimed at forming a ‘community of practice’.
• The Sustainable Exhibitions for Museums (SEFM) network comprises museums professionals across the UK all working towards making exhibitions more sustainable. Through a cost benefit approach, SEFM provide advice and support to help museums produce more sustainable exhibitions. This includes resources on fundraising and the financial benefits of sustainability.
• The Green Tourism Award helps museums review their position and produce an action plan for improvement. The award can highlight great ways for museums to become more sustainable generally and in touring exhibitions, by reducing environmental impact and saving on related costs.
• RE:FIT is the Mayor of London’s scheme to reduce carbon emissions in Greater London. The aim is to improve the energy performance of buildings in London, thereby reducing their CO2 footprint and achieving significant cost savings.
• The Museums Association have some useful resources on sustainable practice in museums and information about related funding.