Over the course of an afternoon, this launch event will expand people’s knowledge on degrowth and what it means for Scotland. It will explore the role of culture, and how people can use it to tell positive post-growth stories in our communities.

At the root of the climate emergency is a crisis of political imagination. The current political and societal structures are limited in what they can achieve. Economic and societal systems are currently driving the climate crisis in pursuit of profit and power: systems where we have been conditioned to value GDP and economic growth at the cost of people and planet.

The planet does not have the resources for endless growth, and neither is endless growth working for people, creating an immensely inequitable distribution of wealth. People will need radical, collective visions of alternative futures to drive transformative action. Art and culture can help to rethink current systems. Hence, the creation of the creative degrowth network Scotland.

The launch of this network aims to challenge and reframe the dominant narratives that have been driving the climate crisis. It aims to build stronger connections between cultural, climate, economic and community professionals in order to develop this urgent work towards a sustainable future. The afternoon will include contributions from Enough! Scotland, and Rachel Grant, Programme Manager at the Barn. You will also hear from members of the network and get a chance to form its future. The question asked will be: How can culture play its full role in the necessary transformation of society?