Organisational Initiatives

The organisations which make up the MAST network are at different stages in their environmental journey.

A few are at the beginning, the majority making good progress and a few charging ahead. Wherever they are, they are all taking action in many different ways. And whatever it is - from bins and lightbulbs to sustainable materials and environmental programming - resourcefulness, creativity and collaboration are evident.

Abandon Normal Devices:

The Networked Condition a research-led project in collaboration with Fast Familiar and Arts Catalyst exploring the environmental impact of the creation and delivery of artworks using digital technology, part of Julie’s Bicycle’s Accelerator Programme

Band on the Wall:

Eliminating single use plastics in the bar; switching to renewable energy

Contact:

Investing in an all-electric van and charging station; a new natural ventilation system to eliminate the need for air-conditioning and reduce electricity use via; Contact Young Company’s Climate of Fear exploring climate justice; Re:Con Bee the Change commissions of visual, performative and digital work exploring climate change themes

Ergon Theatre:

Cooking seasonal, locally sourced and vegan food for communal meals during rehearsals; The Wicked Problem, an interactive performance on climate justice and equity, a Re:Con ‘Bee The Change’ commission; Threads - Climate Art for Radio about fast fashion, commissioned by The Lowry

Global Grooves:

Environmentally themed Junk Jam drumming and dancing spectaculars using remade and upcycled materials

Leigh Film Society:

Salvaging and refurbishing 140 IMax cinema seats from the Science Museum in London for a new community cinema at Spinners Mill in Leigh

M6 Theatre Company:

The Storm film and resources for secondary schools exploring the climate emergency

Manchester Art Gallery:

Reducing energy use by a third over four years through a combination of lighting upgrades, adapting environmental controls, using less air-conditioning and behavioural measures; encouraging biodiversity through bee-keeping and wild flower planting; supporting community activation through organisations such as Manchester Families: Rising Up! and Youth Strike

Manchester City Council events:

Manchester Day the council’s flagship sustainable event; working with event organisers, suppliers etc. to put its Sustainable Events Guides into practice; researching and developing guidance for event organisers on reusable cup options; developing the business case for power grid connections for outdoor events across the city, a lower carbon, less polluting alternative to diesel generators

Octagon Theatre Bolton:

Making a comprehensive inventory and catalogue of all costumes and props to avoid unnecessary purchases and enable hiring out to other organisations; BREEAM very good rating for its 1960’s building

Reform Radio:

Earth Day takeover - 24 hours, 24 countries raising awareness on climate action; Carbon Literacy training the whole team; working to eliminate single use plastics

Royal Exchange Theatre:

Halving electricity use largely as a result of LED lighting upgrades and voltage optimisation; the Den travelling theatre which requires no heating, uses energy efficient equipment and is made with sustainable and natural materials, including cardboard seats, and; designing and constructing sets to maximise reuse and recycling

Vectar Project:

Replacing tungsten lighting with new LED film lighting; installing solar panels which generate enough electricity to power all studio lighting; making production systems paper-free, from casting to post-production; strict recycling of sets and food waste

Without Walls:

The Without Walls sustainability programme exploring sustainable practices for outdoor arts, a three-day residential with access to facilities to actively test and develop ideas, complemented by an online symposium

Z-Arts:

Saving energy by installing LEDs and upgrading to a more efficient heating system; working to eliminate single use plastics from its café and supply-chain; sourcing local sustainable food working with the Hulme Garden Centre; engaging schoolchildren on environmental topics through visual arts projects using natural and recyclable materials