OUR BACKGROUND
Climate change threatens human and planetary health.
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 culturally transform our entire society.
The Arts play a critical role in creating this change.
Artists and artistic organisations are important partners in the evolution of sustainable culture, having significant influence on the development of cultural norms. However, there has been very little academic work associated with the role 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.
About The Project
The objectives of the proposed Insight Grant are to:
(1) identify Canadian and global scholars, artists and practitioners working in sustainability and the Arts (SATA);
(2) build knowledge and understanding in the field by conducting a critical analysis of SATA research to date;
(3) contribute to knowledge in the burgeoning field of SATA by examining the challenges and barriers to SATA research and practice in Canada;
(4) support new approaches to research in the interdisciplinary field of SATA by initiating a Delphi study to develop a comprehensive research strategy for SATA scholarship;
(5) cultivate collaborative partnerships and intellectual exchange;
(6) mobilize research knowledge to and from the scholarly and artistic communities engaged in SATA; and
(7) contribute to Canada's initiatives surrounding the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and SSHRC's 16 global challenges.