In line with Arts Council England’s Investment Principles, we understand sustainability as more than environmental impact alone. It is about creating work that is environmentally responsible, socially relevant, inclusive, well governed and resilient for the long term. 

Our approach is grounded in care for people, place and resources, and in making decisions today that support a sustainable cultural future for Oldham. 

We are committed to reducing the environmental impact of our activity and embedding environmental responsibility across artistic planning, production and participation. 

This includes: 

• Designing work with reuse, repurposing and longevity in mind 

• Supporting artists to make informed, environmentally responsible choices 

• Prioritising local partnerships, suppliers and skills 

• Considering carbon impact at early planning stages rather than retrospectively 

• Reviewing transport, touring and technical approaches to reduce unnecessary environmental impact 

 

Environmental responsibility is integrated into our creative conversations, ensuring it supports, rather than limitsartistic ambition and quality. 

We recognise that sustainable organisations are built on fairness, care and realistic working practices. 

We are embedding approaches that: 

• Support planned, forward-looking artistic development rather than reactive delivery 

• Value wellbeing, time and care alongside productivity 

• Enable artists, staff and freelancers to work in clear, transparent and supported ways 

• Encourage shared responsibility for sustainable decision-making 

 

These approaches strengthen both our organisational resilience and the quality of the work we produce. 

For us sustainability is inseparable from its relationship with the communities it serves. 

In line with Arts Council England’s principle of Inclusivity & Relevance, we aim to: 

• Reduce barriers to participation by working with communities in trusted local settings 

• Build long-term relationships rather than one-off engagement 

• Ensure environmental and organisational sustainability practices remain accessible and inclusive 

• Centre lived experience and local knowledge within artistic development 

 

Sustainability, for us, means cultural work that is rooted, relevant and responsive. 

We are committed to good governance and ongoing learning in our approach to sustainability. 

This includes: 

• Embedding sustainability considerations into organisational planning and decision-making 

• Reviewing our progress regularly and adapting as we learn 

• Sharing learning with artists, partners and communities 

• Aligning sustainability intentions with wider organisational strategy, including future building plans 

 

We understand sustainability as a process of continual development rather than a fixed outcome.

 We are committed to a sustainable future that balances ambition and quality with care for people, place and environment. 

We will continue to develop our practice in line with Arts Council England’s Investment Principles, ensuring our work remains resilient, relevant and responsible for years to come.