UreCulture’s contribution to systemic change in the culture sector

One of the biggest opportunities and responsibilities of the arts and culture ecosystem is to lead by example in securing a sustainable future for the planet. At UreCulture, we believe that it is elementary to engage in advocacy work and share the know-how of our regenerative sustainability work to support systemic change in the sector.

Nicky Ure, Founder and CEO of UreCulture, has shared a message on regenerative sustainability in the culture sector through speaking engagements, interviews and training. Fostering these conversations nurtures systemic transformation in our sector, encouraging new ways of thinking and acting to build regenerative, sustainable futures.

Preparing culture sector decision makers

Nicky Ure has been invited to deliver talks to current and future cultural leaders, championing the role of culture in sustainability and sharing her expertise. Here are some examples:

Ministry of Culture of Saudi Arabia

– Talk Host & Programme: MoCX (General Department of Innovation), Ministry of Culture of Saudi Arabia | Grey Area Innovation Lab “Responsible Culture: Connecting Humans to Nature” (2024)
– Topic of talk: Nicky’s talk explored how regenerative principles can be applied to cultural sector work to create a net-positive impact on nature, people, communities, and cultures. She also discussed strategies for the culture sector to mitigate its environmental footprint.
– Audience: Senior staff at the Ministry of Culture of Saudi Arabia, as well as external sustainability and cultural experts.

Central Saint Martin London

– Talk Host & Programme: MA Arts and Cultural Enterprise, Local and Global Challenges Unit (2023 and 2024), Central Saint Martins, University of The Arts London
– Topic of talk: Nicky shared how to embed sustainability frameworks in art organisations as well as examples of sustainable practices in art
– Audience: MA Students

Art Business Conference (Art Dubai)

– Talk Host & Programme: Art Business Conference at Art Dubai (2023)
– Topic of talk: Nicky presented the Sustainability Roadmap for the Arts, that can enable cultural institutions to become drivers for change. She shared benchmarks of best practice in the culture sector.
– Audience: Arts and culture professionals and the audience of Art Dubai

UreCulture conducted a training session for artist Hashel Al Lamki, focusing on carbon footprints, climate change, circular economy, and regenerative actions in the arts. This session, initiated at Hashel Al Lamki’s request, was part of his sustainability partnership to enhance his knowledge in this area.

Our message in the press

UreCulture’s thought leadership has also been featured in online publications and interviews, further amplifying its message on sustainability.

– Fast Middle East What is the future of design in the Middle East? It is circular

Extract from the Interview “Nicky Ure, Founder and Managing Director of sustainability-focused agency UreCulture, highlights the urgency of our planet’s plight, pointing to Earth Overshoot Day, the date when humanity’s demand for ecological resources surpasses the Earth’s capacity to regenerate them for the year. This concept is closely tied to the circular economy. Earth Overshoot Day is projected to occur this year on July 25 (compared to August 2 last year). From July 25 to December 31, we operate under an “ecological deficit,” consuming resources equivalent to 1.5 planets within a year despite having only one. “The biggest opportunity of the circular economy is to help bring us back into balance with what the planet can sustain for a healthy and thriving future for all. Beyond bringing opportunity, the circular economy and circular design are required for our collective future,” Ure adds. “For designers, architects, artists, and strategic thinkers, it brings a world of opportunities to innovate to give rise to a new paradigm where the business-as-usual is to bring nature and our planetary boundaries into our creative processes,” she adds.

– Tabari Artspace The Voice | Nicky Ure on The Art x Sustainability Axis

Extract from the Interview: “Whilst the impact of the arts sector is much less than other industries it still has a significant impact. A report by the UK non-profit Julie’s Bicycle stated that the global arts sector has an annual impact of 70 million tonnes of CO2e. Therefore the arts need to align with the global sustainability agenda and carry out best practices to reduce its environmental impact. Also, future legislation, compliance standards and funding requirements will eventually require that this work is embedded in the culture sector. So the sooner the better. The most powerful opportunity presented to the arts and culture sector is how they can help lead the transition to a sustainable future by acting as an agent for change in society, through innovation, discourse, narratives and ultimately by leading by example by implementing and reporting its sustainability work.”