Culture Declares Emergency (CDE) represents a movement of individuals and organisations using the arts and culture sectors to inspire and take climate action. Since 2020, the Foundation has provided core funding to CDE to widen the impact and engagement of its network of cultural sector workers and climate campaigners. Its work algins with the approaches fostered through our Citizen Engagement on Climate and Civic Role of Arts Organisations programmes. Our partnership has helped CDE grow from an emergent network into a movement, enabling it to mobilise cultural workers, artists and organisations to tackle the challenges of climate change at local and national levels. 

With the Foundation’s funding, CDE has expanded its grassroots network by establishing six regional hubs across the country, and three have been established internationally inspired by the UK model. These hubs drive local engagement by connecting cultural organisations with their communities to address place-based climate priorities. CDE has expanded its influence through a new digital communications strategy, in collaboration with Climate Outreach. This included launching a Culture Takes Action Toolkit and public-facing campaign that amplified the role of arts and culture in responding to the climate emergency. The organisation has fostered collaboration and peer learning across its network by hosting regular events and convening a National Cultural Assembly in 2023, bringing together cultural leaders to explore the sector’s role in driving climate action.

In its next phase, CDE will transition into a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). This step will ensure long-term sustainability and enhance its ability to deliver change. This involves establishing a board, adopting new policies, and conducting a skills audit to identify gaps and opportunities. There are also plans to develop a tailored knowledge-sharing and upskilling programme to empower community members with the tools to take effective local action.  

Through its innovative approach, CDE has shown how the arts can play a central role in addressing climate change, connecting people to the issue in new and inspiring ways. Its innovative model highlights the importance of cross-sector collaboration and place-based approaches to tackling climate change.