Combined tickets
Consider introducing a combined ticket – admission to an institution or cultural event combined with a public transport ticket. Such a solution not only facilitates access to events, but also actively encourages people to give up individual car journeys, which is consistent with the green strategies of large cities aiming to reduce car traffic. They are also successfully used by organisers of large theatre and music festivals or events taking place in multiple locations, effectively reducing their carbon footprint.
> Read about the Berlin Welcome Card, which combines tickets to Berlin museums with the possibility of travelling on public transport: Sustainable Berlin, source: Visit Berlin.
> The admission ticket to the Ruhrtriennale festival, held in the Ruhr area, also serves as a public transport ticket for travel to and from the event venue: Journey, source: Ruhtriennale.
Transportation of objects and works of art
The transportation of objects and works of art, especially on an international scale, is one of the most demanding aspects of museum and gallery operations. The security of collections requires good cooperation and coordination with other institutions and the use of specialist companies which are able to provide protection against damage and control temperature and humidity. Environmental impact criteria should also be taken into account, and transport options that generate the smallest possible carbon footprint should be chosen. Avoid air transport and choose alternatives such as sea, rail or road transport instead. In terms of transport efficiency, it is worth considering the weight and volume of the work at the design stage, e.g. so that it can be easily dismantled and packed compactly. Use reusable packaging (reusable crates and materials) during transport and avoid non-recyclable materials.
In justified cases, together with the author of the work consider refraining from transporting the original and instead recreate the work on site, using local materials. One of the key recommendations for reducing emissions in the arts sector is to focus on organising exhibitions based on local collections and works created on site. (see: PRODUCTION: MATERIALS)
> In order to reduce the need for physical travel by persons accompanying the transport of works, CIMAM promotes the idea of so-called ‘virtual couriers,’ i.e. remote monitoring of the transport of objects using digital technologies (e.g. environmental sensors, GPS location) and installation carried out by local teams. Read more: Mobility: Towards Greener Transport, source: CIMAM.
> Read an analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of different transport options for collections: Shipping and Environmental Considerations of Sea and Road vs. Air Freight, source: Gallery Climate Coalition.
> Read the analysis of how object loans and their transport impact the environment: Life Cycle Assessment of Museum Loans and Exhibitions, source: Sustainability Tools in Cultural Heritage.
> Check out the toolkit supporting the sustainable organisation of touring exhibitions, created in collaboration with the Design Museum in London, Art Fund and The Exhibitions Group: Rethinking Touring Exhibitions. A Tool to Help Reduce the Environmental Impact of Touring Exhibitions, source: The Exhibitions Group.
Touring
Tour planning is an area with enormous potential for reducing emissions. The first step is to choose low-emission means of transport. The second is to design the route so that it combines performances in cities located close to each other – this is a win-win situation for the environment, logistics and economy, both for the performing bands and local organisers. Avoid geographical leaps – one ill-considered transfer can double the carbon footprint of the entire tour. Limit the number of people and equipment travelling with the event. In many cases, local technical staff can supplement the team, and some equipment can be rented on site.
> Some bands touring internationally are introducing their own climate budgets, limiting flights and travelling by train. Read more: The band that doesn’t want you to drive to their concerts, source: BBC, Banding Together: How Your Favourite Musical Artists Are Tuning into the Climate Crisis, source: Carbon Market Watch.
> ‘Concept touring’ is one of the alternatives to traditional touring – it involves international routes in which the idea, process and work travel without the need for people to physically travel. Read more: Concept touring, source: LIFT Festival.
> Fourteen theatres participating in the ‘Sustainable Performances: Re-Stagings’ project have developed a model for co-producing performances about the climate crisis that allows for staging performances without transporting people or goods, using only local resources: About the Project, source: STAGES.
> Eleven European partners from the world of jazz and improvised music are working together to find ways to reduce the carbon footprint of concert tours, including emissions associated with band transportation and audience travel. See more: Better Live Music.
