The Association for Cultural Enterprises is delighted to announce the inaugural three finalists for Seeds of Change – a brand new £10,000 prize fund supporting and encouraging sustainable initiatives within the cultural sector.
This new funding opportunity will empower a cultural organisation to deliver and design a sustainable project that fosters community engagement, promotes the adoption of sustainable practices, and explores innovative new materials and technologies to create a new commercial income stream.
Entries were invited from arts, heritage and cultural organisations that are members of the Association for Cultural Enterprises. The judges were hugely impressed with the calibre and creativity of all the entries, showcasing the incredible innovation and focus on sustainability within the cultural sector.
Three projects have been shortlisted for the award, based on their potential to be replicated across the sector and to inspire other venues to think about creative ways of generating income while improving their sustainable impact. The three finalists are:
- Fruitmarket Gallery – Future Makers, a mentoring programme investing in the future of eco-conscious making, selling and buying. The programme will support 10 local makers to create bespoke products that are ethically and sustainably produced, developing community-minded commercial practices as well as generating income.
- Insole Court Trust – Eco Coffee and Ice Cream Cart, a solution to current issues around capacity, providing a flexible second servery that will maximise commercial revenue, improve visitor experience and create more opportunity to promote sustainable practices and local produce in the main café.
- National Theatre – Artisan Revival, a new income stream celebrating the theatre’s unique cultural story as the largest factory in southeast London, where highly skilled makers create costumes, sets and props. Existing waste streams from within the building will be repurposed to create innovative and sustainable retail products.
Jennifer Leaman, Global Head of Environment and Product Sustainability, Clarks and member of the Seeds of Change judging panel, said, “The standard of applications for the first Seeds of Change award has been exceptionally high, reflecting a promising shift towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious cultural landscape. The three finalists stand out for their innovative approaches to environmental challenges, ambitious goals, and demonstrable impact. We can’t wait to announce the winner!”
Cultural Enterprises CEO Gordon Morrison said, “Financial and environmental sustainability are two incredibly important matters for the cultural sector at this time. Our key aim as a Charity, Trade Association and Investment Principles Support Organisation is to foster greater creativity and dynamism with the cultural sector when it comes to both financial and environmental sustainability. With Seeds of Change we are providing direct, tangible support as well as inspirational ideas for the sector. Our three very worthy finalists in this first year of the Prize are to be congratulated for putting forward creative proposals for innovative projects that will develop new income streams in an environmentally sustainable way. Well done to each of them!”
More information about all the finalists and judges can be found here. The winner will be announced at a special invitation only event onboard SS Great Britain, Bristol on 25 June 2024.
Seeds of Change is supported by Green Tourism, the sector’s leading environmental accreditation organisation, supporting cultural venues from across all corners of the UK to become more environmentally sustainable and maximise the business opportunities of going green.
Pictured left to right: The Fruitmarket Bookshop; Insole Court; National Theatre © Cameron Slater Photography