With our flagship project, The Big Green, we are bringing environmentally-engaged artists under one large-scale umbrella initiative and experiment with innovative ways of using art to promote sustainability. But what does it mean for us on a personal level? We asked our partners to write us a few lines about what art and sustainability and their relationship mean to them. Now, let us share the thoughts of Simana Markovska (Interpret Europe):
‘To me – both personally and as part of the Interpret Europe Association – the theme/s of the Big Green Project are natural. I have spent more than 25 years now as a manager of an NGO working for sustainable tourism and environment protection. I have provided expertise, consultancy and trainings to others on the subject – other NGOs, public authorities, scientific and educational institutions, cultural organizations and of course, tourism businesses.
I firmly believe that the world must develop sustainably if we are all to survive. To me, the logic of intervention for that to happen has always been quite simple – each of us must realize the value of what we are now trying to protect through legislation and rules. And that is our environment, both natural and cultural. We all must see the material and immaterial value of it. Material – through sustainable businesses such as tourism, and immaterial – through heritage interpretation.
Only when we realize the infinite value of our environment to us, personally, we will not have the need to protect it anymore – from ourselves. Air, water, soil, all living creatures; all the components of the intricate complex we call our world. Art has a big responsibility and big part to play in conveying this message to many different people in many different ‘languages’. Using the toolset of heritage interpretation, it can provoke and challenge people’s mindsets through memorable experiences, gradually leading to a new way of thinking and, consequently, a different behaviour. Projects like the Big Green are important steps of the way.’