Hybrid Futures: making, showing and collecting art in a time of climate crisis
Friday 10 May 2024 10.00-16.30
The Old Fire Station, University of Salford & Salford Museum and Art Gallery
What are the environmental issues currently facing museum collections, art galleries and artists?
Is it possible to make your work more sustainable in the visual arts sector?
How can arts organisations and their local communities work together to influence change?
Is there the potential to test ideas and new ways of working in order to create a robust and effective model to change the way that galleries should operate in the future?
The one-day symposium brought together the Hybrid Futures sector partners, along with artists, commissioners, local authority staff, funders, community members and consultants for a day of conversation and activity, exploring the successes, challenges and ideas at the heart of the Hybrid Futures project. The aim was to share learning and explore actions the sector could take to establish enduring and effective models of sustainable practice for galleries and museums.
The day was rich with trust, openness and fascinating conversations exploring everything from the complexities of time, collaboration and climate justice to the practicalities of the project including the use of exhibition vinyl.
Live illustrator Grace Collins captured the depth and breadth of the discussions across the day:
Feedback from those who attended reflects the feelings of ownership and motivation to see real change generated throughout the day, as well as highlighting the information and tools to make that change provided throughout the sessions:
Speakers and convenors included:
Kit Abramson, Collective Futures, Creative Producer; Paulette Brien, Grundy Art Gallery; Rachael Burns, Touchstones Rochdale; Danny Chivers, Hybrid Futures Sustainability Advisor (Gallery Climate Coalition); Helen Cooper, Senior Manager, Philanthropy/Visual Arts, Arts Council England; Claire Corrin, Salford Museum and Art Gallery; Shezad Dawood, Hybrid Futures lead artist; Paul Dennett, Salford City Mayor; Mark Doyle, Touchstones Rochdale; Jessica El Mal, Hybrid Futures artist; Parham Ghalamdar, Hybrid Futures artist; Mishka Henner, Artist in Residence at Energy House 2.0, University of Salford; Matthew Pendergast, Castlefield Gallery; Rowan Pritchard, Exhibition Coordinator, University of Salford Art Collection; Emily Speed, Artist in Residence at Energy House 2.0, University of Salford; Lindsay Taylor, University of Salford Art Collection; RA Walden, Hybrid Futures artist (via video link), Kate Wafer, Hybrid Futures Evaluation Consultant; Helen Wewiora, Castlefield Gallery.
The symposium also included a Marketplace where attendees could meet with relevant organisations to get the latest information and guidance. Represented at the Marketplace was Museum Development North, The Carbon Literacy Project, LANDS (Lancashire Arts Network for Developing Sustainability), Gallery Climate Coalition, the University of Salford Sustainability Office, and SPARK.
Look back on the full schedule here.
