Creative Island Ident (Teal)
The Cultural Development Agency for the Isle of Wight
plants and greenery on multistory building by ricardo gomez angel (1)

Cultural evolution through sustainability: Isle of Wight’s NPOs lead the way

Sally Perry
22, March 2024

Creative Island is spearheading a project that will take the Isle of Wight’s five National Portfolio Holders (NPOs) on a journey of carbon literacy training.

It’s part of a wider strategy to embed sustainable practices across the cultural sector, demonstrating a commitment to environmental responsibility.

Gavin Stride, Director of Creative Island, says,

“This is one of those simple actions that Creative Island was set up to make happen.

“Everyone wanted to develop their practice, however it is so much easier to do this together.”

What is carbon literacy and why does it matter?
The Carbon Literacy Project will be the guide in this journey, offering our NPOs (Ventnor Exchange, New Carnival, Shademakers, Quay Arts and of course, Creative Island) a way to understand and act on climate change in a manner that’s both impactful and relevant to all our lives.

The initiative is more than just an environmental campaign; it’s a cultural evolution. By embracing carbon literacy, our NPOs are not just learning about climate change; they’re becoming champions of a sustainable future.

Culture meets sustainability
It’s about changing our story from one of concern to one of action. And it will be happening right here, in the heart of our creative community on the Isle of Wight.

Imagine the change we can make if each one of us could cut our carbon emissions by up to 15 per cent.

A mark of excellence and pride
The journey doesn’t stop at becoming informed, the training also comes with a seal of quality.

Each organisation and professional involved is assessed to ensure the highest standards, earning a kite-mark that symbolises their commitment and achievements.

This isn’t just a badge; it’s a statement that we, as a community, are serious about making a difference.

“Travel together, travel further”
Gavin concludes,

“The French have a phrase ‘travel alone, travel faster, travel together, travel further’.

“This is an example of the cultural sector taking a lead in describing how the Island can be.”

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