Arts Council England commissioned SOENECS to investigate how existing circular economy networks are supporting the arts and culture sector. The project evaluated the successes and limitations of these networks, and through multidisciplinary engagement, provided recommendations to guide the sector towards a circular economy.
The six-month project revealed significant opportunities for the sector to enhance sustainability, reduce waste, and achieve net-zero emissions by 2030. Embracing circular economy principles can help reduce environmental impact, improve business efficiency, foster stronger community relationships, and reduce costs. Despite the presence of some initiatives, the arts and culture sector faces challenges in achieving widespread circularity, and this project aimed to address these gaps. The research involved extensive engagement with stakeholders, a detailed literature review, and multiple interviews and focus groups. Case studies were used to highlight current practices and offer insights into best practices across various sectors. The project developed several conceptual models to address single-use consumption in the arts and culture sector, including shared storage facilities, reuse programmes, recycling initiatives, and online reuse platforms. Key findings suggested that while there are good practices in place, there is a need for scalable solutions to improve circularity. Recommendations included creating directories, working groups, and guidance documents, as well as mapping training opportunities and storage demands. The proposed actions, ranging from short-term to long-term, aim to transform the sector into a more circular and sustainable system. Leadership and systemic change are crucial to overcoming barriers and realising the potential of circular economy practices in the arts and culture sector. See the final report here. Comments are closed.
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