Manifesto

Gate 27 is a residency where visual artists, designers and researchers come to meet. We invite residents to partake in discourses in ecology, sustainability, accessibility and local creative networks to address the breadth of environmental problems that threaten the world. In light of the global ecological crisis, we bring people from a multitude of disciplines to brainstorm and produce creative solutions that can help pave the way for a sustainable future.

We believe that each individual and institution has a responsibility in creating a more sustainable earth for the generations to come. Our vision is to create a platform that is accountable for its ecological impact and works to raise awareness of environmental issues in the art world. 

We value artistic production as a change maker in the world and a collective approach in shifting to environmentally sustainable and regenerative practices by  forming partnerships that foster knowledge exchange and genuine and equitable collaborations.

Gate 27 aligns itself with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and strives to build its organizational structure and public programs to address goals No. 11 – Making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable, No. 12 – Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns, No. 13 , Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts, No. 16 – Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.

We make an effort to improve our own practice regarding the following practical matters:

• Inhouse: We use non-chemical and biodegradable products, and promote the usage of non-toxic materials for our residents. We make sure to use materials that don’t damage the environment, nor our human health. 
• Waste: We work to keep our waste production at a minimum. We compost, recycle and up-cycle where possible. We acknowledge that this is an ongoing learning process which we actively pursue.
• Energy: We understand and reduce our energy consumption and where possible, move away from fossil fuels. To start understanding our carbon footprint, we make use of the online carbon calculators as developed by Julie’s Bicycle. We look for ways to shift to using green sources of energy.
• Water: We have rainwater collectors on our grounds. We don’t pollute our waterways and monitor our water consumption with filters on our faucets.

• Food: We buy local, where possible. We compost our food waste. We are in the process of building our own permaculture garden to grow our own food and to share what we grow with the surrounding community of small businesses and growers. When growing our foods, we do not use herbicides and pesticides. 

• Community Engagement: By creating a more biodiverse, healthier and more sustainable environment for ourselves we aspire to create momentum for our neighbourhoods and local art institutions to take on similar attitudes. The more people join in this, the easier it becomes to share and circulate ideas and resources. This will lead to an upward spiralling succession of events transforming our environment into a healthier place for both human and non-human actors.

This manifesto takes from and is inspired by Green Art Lab Allaiance’s Manifesto.