In response to the devastating wildfires that swept through Los Angeles last year, a coalition of prominent arts institutions in the city has collectively pledged to adhere to the environmentally conscious Bizot Green Protocol. This initiative aims to promote sustainable practices within the cultural sector.
Originally established in 2015 by the Bizot Group, a network comprising art museum directors globally, the protocol has undergone revisions over the years to address the escalating challenges posed by climate change. Notable institutions signing this commitment include the Getty, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), the Hammer Museum, and the esteemed gallery Hauser & Wirth.
Camille Kirk, the sustainability director at Getty, expressed optimism about this collective effort, stating, "This is the first time that Los Angeles art institutions have announced together their commitment to these recommendations, and it is our hope that it will motivate others to commit as well."
The coalition's joint statement emphasizes that while climate change was not the sole cause, it significantly worsened the impact of recent fires on local cultural institutions, galleries, and artists. "Increasingly, the cultural sector is being shaped by and is responding to climate change as part of fulfilling our mission of caring for and exhibiting our shared cultural heritage," they noted.
Key objectives of this initiative include exploring broader climate-control parameters for temperature and humidity in their facilities, reassessing criteria for art loans to ensure safety, and implementing strategies to minimize air travel and waste in design.
This commitment is informed by research from the Getty Conservation Institute's initiative, "Managing Collection Environments." Additionally, it aligns with the Los Angeles institutions' involvement in the Climate Impact Program, led by artist Debra Scacco and consultant Laura Lupton, which is part of the upcoming PST ART: Art & Science Collide event scheduled for 2024-25.
As these institutions take a proactive stance on environmental sustainability, their actions may inspire a broader movement within the arts community, shaping a future where cultural heritage and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.