In 2019, a Climate Emergency was declared in Rochdale – and beyond.
Cartwheel Arts knows that the Climate Emergency is not just a single issue, it is the era in which we are living.
Climate Change affects all that we do and as a cultural organisation, Cartwheel Arts has a responsibility to help reduce the negative impacts of climate change.
In a survey conducted by Indigo in 2024, 72% of respondents believed that cultural organisations have a responsibility to influence society to make radical change to address the climate emergency.
We also know that climate change disproportionately affects those who experience inequalities such as poverty, who are disabled, neurodiverse, and have health conditions including mental ill-health and who experience racial inequalities.
Cartwheel Arts co-creates with diverse communities and aims to deepen understanding and amplify the voices of communities that are underrepresented or ignored.
We are dedicated to using our power and our privileges to make sure the views and voices of our communities and the impact of the climate crisis are heard.
We will support the Greater Manchester pledge, and become carbon neutral by 2038. Our first step has been to measure our current carbon footprint using Julie’s Bicycle Creative Climate Tools.
This helps us to understand where most of our carbon is produced and, therefore, how to decrease our consumption. We commit to:
Remaining an active member of GMAST (Greater Manchester Arts Sustainability Team). We will continue to attend meetings and share knowledge with other members.
Holding environmental responsibility as a core ‘commitment’ of the organisation, with all projects and activities viewed through an environmental lens. Molly Stedman, our Art for Wellbeing Coordinator, has the additional role of Environment Officer and supports the organisation to plan, deliver and monitor activity.
Sharing best practice in environmental impact reduction through the arts by creating case studies of our projects with a strong environmental focus.
Advocating for the disproportionate way the climate crisis impacts people from low-income neighbourhoods by sharing articles and book recommendations that highlight the issue via our social media channels.
Use our unique partnerships and local trust to gather informed data and engage with communities in conversations around the cause and effect of the climate crisis by ensuring that our programme includes targeted projects which focus on climate change as a topic.
If you wish to read the full environmental Action Plan, please contact us: admin@cartwheelarts.org.uk or 01706 361 300
