Making California’s cultural sector carbon neutral by 2030

Arts & Climate CA is identifying pathways to resources for frontline cultural organizations to increase their climate resiliency.

Dancers from Rhythmix Cultural Works' 'Rising Seas' project, choreographed by KT Nelson, photograph by Maurice Ramirez

Bridging Arts and Sustainability

The goal of Arts & Climate CA is to connect the cultural sector to the green economy—first in California, and then nationwide.

We are building the bridge between arts organizations and the significant state and federal decarbonization funds that already exist.  And connecting artists and community-based organizations to the resources they need to activate on climate change.

Data is key to unlocking climate change resources for cultural organizations. We are conducting a 16-month project to understand the climate change needs and impacts on the cultural sector.  We will:

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    Educate and Assess Local Needs

    Conduct in-depth needs assessments in 2-3 major cities, and 2-3 other climate-vulnerable regions of California.

    – Bay Area (July 2024–March 2025)

    – SoCal (January–October 2025)

    – Los Angeles and San Diego currently under development

    – Other regions TBD

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    Identify Strategies

    – Link decarbonization projects to existing funds.

    – Uncover and connect artists already working on climate.

    – Help movement builders activate.

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    Map Pathways to Resources

    – Convene community to co-create projects and partnerships.

    – Engage climate experts from diverse fields.

    – Link artists, cultural organizations, and communities working in this space to each other and to resources.

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    Conduct and Disseminate Statewide Work

    – Undertake CA statewide climate change impact survey in partnership with Americans for the Arts.

    – Document climate change impacts, needs, strategies, and resources across California.

    – Inspire other states to replicate and build on our research.

The Team

Denise Fairchild

2021 Climate
Breakthrough Awardee

Marcelle Hinand

Philanthropy &
Nonprofit Consultant

Susan Misra

Principal at
Aurora Commons

Way-Ting Chen

Co-Founder of
Blue Garnet

A Special Invitation

Please join us: As part of its Arts & Climate CA Los Angeles research and community organizing work, we announce a World Cafe convening Thursday, October 30th for artists, community based cultural organizations, and all who are interested and engaged in climate resiliency work in LA frontline communities. Early in 2026, we will also launch a survey for frontline community based cultural organizations, artists and their constituents to learn about all climate resilience activity on the ground in LA. Ultimately, we aim to build a coalition and drive resources toward this work in Los Angeles, California more broadly, and nationwide.


Date & Time: Thursday October 30, 2025 10:30am – 5pm
Location: LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, 501 N Main Street, Los Angeles

What to Expect: Peer-led presentations and workshops | Engaging Discussions with inspiring LA Climate change, resiliency and arts leaders | Lunch and beverages
Featured Participants and Speakers: To Be Announced
It’s your chance to: Build community, exchange powerful ideas, and take actionable steps toward climate resilience solutions

Presented by the Arts & Climate CA-LA Project Team and Partners: LA Plaza de Culture y Artes, LA Commons, and Arts For LA and the UCLA Center for Diverse Leadership in Science.

For questions regarding this event, please reach out to admin@artsclimate.org, and to join our email list, send your contact information to admin@artsclimate.org.

Project Partners & Funders