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 Christina Jaritsch (Salzkammergut 2024):
“In 2024, Bad Ischl and the Salzkammergut is holding the title European Capital of Culture (ECoC). Bad Ischl is a small town in Austria, and together with 22 other rural communities, art and culture take centre stage here. This is the first time that the ECoC format has ventured so far into the periphery. Natural and cultural spaces are closely interwoven. This results in a responsibility, on the one hand, to produce culture in an (ecologically) sustainable way and, on the other, to focus on the relevance of intact ecosystems through the artistic content.
With the European Capital of Culture process, we are at the beginning of a long-term development in which we will continue to realise nature and culture projects in the region. Through international collaborations, such as those with the inspiring organisations and people involved in The Big Green Project, we are expanding our international network. We want to do resilient cultural work that is sensitive to the burning issues of our time. The Big Green includes collectives, artists, cultural managers, scientists and activists who have already been able to anchor this focus in their work over the long term. It is a great privilege to be able to network with these experts and realise a project together that aims to sharpen our focus on natural and cultural issues.
Art and culture can contribute to the ecological and social climate transition. Through international networking, compassion, curiosity and creativity, we can explore and test perspectives for the future in The Big Green Project and thus contribute to the development of resilient societies.”
The cover photo was taken by Evalie Wagner.
If you want to know more about Salzkammergut 2024, visit their website.