A new cross-sector environmental consortium for Cornwall’s cultural organisations is being explored following the success of the recent Gallery Green Day, hosted by Newlyn Art Gallery & The Exchange, and facilitated by Radical Ecology. Bringing together artists, cultural practitioners, gallery staff, volunteers, trustees and invited guests from across the cultural sector, the event created space for discussion, shared learning and collective thinking around climate responsibility and sustainable practice.
As a direct outcome of the day, initial conversations are now underway between Newlyn Art Gallery & The Exchange, PK Porthcurno and Bosena to explore the formation of a Cornwall-wide cultural consortium focused on environmental sustainability, collaboration and resource-sharing across the arts, heritage and performance sectors.
The proposed consortium would create opportunities for organisations to share knowledge, repurpose exhibition and production materials, reduce waste and develop more sustainable approaches to working, while recognising the distinct environmental challenges faced by galleries, museums, heritage sites, theatres and performance organisations.
The Green Day was chaired by Ashish Ghadiali, Director of Radical Ecology and Chair of the Board of Trustees at Newlyn Art Gallery & The Exchange.
Ashish Ghadiali said:
“The Gallery Green Day showed what can happen when people from across the cultural sector come together with openness, imagination and a shared sense of responsibility. There was a real appetite not only to talk about the challenges we face, but to begin building practical, collaborative responses rooted in care, creativity and long-term thinking.
“The conversations emerging around a Cornwall-wide consortium feel especially exciting because they recognise that environmental action cannot happen in isolation. By sharing knowledge, resources and ideas across visual arts, heritage, museums, theatre and performance, we have an opportunity to develop more resilient and sustainable ways of working together.”
The day featured talks and discussions exploring ecology, sustainability and cultural practice, including contributions from Joe Harris of Forest for Cornwall, Iman Datoo who talked about the 100 Year Care Plan, Andy Franzkowiak from Orleans House Gallery, Denzil Monk from Bosena, and Julia Twomlow from PK Porthcurno.
Breakout sessions encouraged participants to think collectively about how cultural organisations can respond meaningfully to the climate crisis through both organisational change and creative practice.
Organisations interested in joining the conversation around the proposed consortium are invited to contact Tamsin Young at Newlyn Art Gallery & The Exchange via tamsin.young@newlynartgallery.co.uk
For further information, interview requests, or hi res images, please contact Kathy Hill, Marketing & Communications Manager, Kathy.hill@newlynartgallery.co.uk Gallery Director James Green, and Ashish Ghadiali from Radical Ecology are both available for comment or interview.
ABOUT NEWLYN ART GALLERY & THE EXCHANGE
Founded in 1895 by philanthropist and social reformer John Passmore Edwards, Newlyn Art Gallery & The Exchange embodies his belief in the transformative power of art in people’s lives. His vision continues to inspire our work today, particularly in how we engage with communities to shape our programmes and ensure we remain relevant and inclusive.
Operating across two sites in West Cornwall, we present contemporary art in all media and are dedicated to showcasing innovative and thought-provoking work. Beyond our galleries, our outreach extends into care homes, schools, public spaces such as beaches, and even places of worship, reflecting our commitment to connecting with diverse audiences and making art accessible to all.
An educational arts charity, we are proud to be an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation and a Cornwall Council Strategic Arts Client.