In October 2022, the UN warned that the world’s governments are not yet on track to keep global heating below 1.5 degrees, and the window for action is rapidly closing. We are already seeing the impacts of existing warming with devastating droughts, storms and floods across the world. Related crises include collapsing biodiversity, dangerous levels of air pollution, and plastic contamination in our rivers and oceans. Without urgent action from across society, these problems will rapidly escalate. The art world has an important role to play. 

Arts organisations– particularly in the Global North– have a disproportionately large impact on the environment, mainly due to a great deal of international travel, arts shipping, and high use of energy and materials. We need to act urgently to reduce these impacts in line with what the science is telling us. 

At gowithYamo, we are committed to making art more accessible while also using our platform to drive positive environmental change. As an arts organisation, we have the opportunity to set an example– supporting sustainable practices, amplifying the voices of ecologically-conscious artists and galleries, and helping shift public discourse toward sustainability.

We are dedicated to addressing these challenges by:

Yearly calculating the carbon footprint of our operations to track progress and improve sustainability.

Spotlighting eco-conscious artists, galleries, and discussions through our blog.

Promoting environmentally-friendly travel options– such as walking, cycling, and public transport– through our in-app art trails.

Encouraging users to explore local exhibitions via our location-based app, reducing emissions associated with long-distance travel.

Using only reusable or curbside-recyclable packaging materials as part of our goal to achieve zero-waste operations by 2030.

Prioritising the use of reusable and recyclable equipment while committing to sustainable development goals to further facilitate conversations about sustainability with galleries, artists, and our community.

Transitioning to leaflets and promotional materials printed on recycled or FSC-certified paper.

We have committed to achieving these commitments by:

Engaging with suppliers and service providers regarding their carbon footprint, advocating for sustainability and, where necessary, transitioning to eco-conscious alternatives.

Appointing and maintaining a Green Ambassador to oversee progress on our sustainability goals and initiatives.

By integrating sustainability into our operations, we hope to contribute to a more environmentally responsible art world. Change is urgent, and we are dedicated to being part of the solution.

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