Making California’s cultural sector carbon neutral by 2030

Arts & Climate CA is identifying pathways to resources for frontline cultural organizations to increase their climate resiliency.

Dancers from Rhythmix Cultural Works' 'Rising Seas' project, choreographed by KT Nelson, photograph by Maurice Ramirez

Bridging Arts and Sustainability

The goal of Arts & Climate CA is to connect the cultural sector to the green economy—first in California, and then nationwide.

We are building the bridge between arts organizations and the significant state and federal decarbonization funds that already exist.  And connecting artists and community-based organizations to the resources they need to activate on climate change.

Data is key to unlocking climate change resources for cultural organizations. We are conducting a 16-month project to understand the climate change needs and impacts on the cultural sector.  We will:

  • Geometric drawing of an outline square with sections divided by vertical, horizontal, and diagonal lines.

    Educate and Assess Local Needs

    Conduct in-depth needs assessments in 2-3 major cities, and 2-3 other climate-vulnerable regions of California.

    – Bay Area (July 2024–March 2025)

    – SoCal (January–October 2025)

    – Los Angeles and San Diego currently under development

    – Other regions TBD

  • Geometric drawing of an outline square with sections divided by vertical, horizontal, and half circle lines.

    Identify Strategies

    – Link decarbonization projects to existing funds.

    – Uncover and connect artists already working on climate.

    – Help movement builders activate.

  • Geometric drawing of an outline square with sections divided by vertical, horizontal, and circle lines.

    Map Pathways to Resources

    – Convene community to co-create projects and partnerships.

    – Engage climate experts from diverse fields.

    – Link artists, cultural organizations, and communities working in this space to each other and to resources.

  • Geometric drawing of an outline square with sections divided by vertical, horizontal, and diagonal lines.

    Conduct and Disseminate Statewide Work

    – Undertake CA statewide climate change impact survey in partnership with Americans for the Arts.

    – Document climate change impacts, needs, strategies, and resources across California.

    – Inspire other states to replicate and build on our research.

The Team

Denise Fairchild

2021 Climate
Breakthrough Awardee

Marcelle Hinand

Philanthropy &
Nonprofit Consultant

Susan Misra

Principal at
Aurora Commons

Way-Ting Chen

Co-Founder of
Blue Garnet

A Special Invitation

Please join us: For the last 9 months, Arts & Climate CA has conducted desk research, stakeholder interviews and a series of community engagement events in the Bay Area. Our Pathways Webinar is the final event where the team will share its research findings, celebrate examples of how the Bay Area’s cultural community is engaging in climate change and highlight existing resources community members can access to advance their climate change work. 

Topic: Arts & Climate CA SFBA Pathways Webinar
Time: Mar 26, 2025 10:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 948 7806 0265

Project Partners & Funders