Climate Adaptation & Culture : An Initiative to Strengthen the Resilience of the Cultural Sector
Terra 21 supports cultural organisations in embedding the ecological transition into their activities. Founded in Nantes in 2008 by Hervé Fournier and Dominique Béhar.
Overview of the project
Culture has an essential role to play in addressing climate change. It shapes our narratives and our collective representations. While climate mitigation is now gaining momentum within the cultural sector, adaptation is still in its early stages, both in terms of concrete measures and the way it is perceived.
This project promotes the integration of climate adaptation into the cultural sector. It aims to anticipate, rethink, and strengthen cultural initiatives in response to ongoing climate change. The Playing at 50°C report by the Odéon Theatre inspired the project. Research by the Arviva network examines the vulnerability of the performing arts sector, while the study conducted by EcoAct and Les Augures explores the challenges museums face from rising temperatures and invasive species.
The training programme is designed to be as immersive as possible and lasts two days. It is intended for cultural leaders, programmers, and technical staff. Participants assess vulnerabilities within their organisations and begin developing an adaptation plan. By the end of the programme, they have a clearer understanding of their role and capacity to act. The host venue serves as a real-life case study, illustrating both resilience and vulnerability. Interviews with stakeholders help make climate risks tangible – for example, showing how urban heat islands can increase temperatures by up to 6°C during heatwaves.
The programme relies on a range of participatory learning methods based on collective intelligence, including peer-learning workshops, forum theatre, Climate Fresk workshops, and climate risk mapping.
This training and on-site exploration programme is designed to be rolled out in cultural venues across France. A first pilot session is taking place in Paris on 2 July at the Odéon Theatre.
Engaging Cultural stakeholders in Climate Change Adaptation
Ongoing research
projet en cours
At this stage, no results are available yet. We are currently defining indicators to assess the maturity of climate adaptation within participating organisations, including how adaptation is integrated into audience reception, operational management, building maintenance, and artistic direction.
We also intend to measure participants’ confidence in their ability to implement adaptation measures within their organisations. Baseline and follow-up assessments will make it possible to evaluate the programme’s impact.
At the time of submitting this application, the first pilot sessions had not yet taken place. We hope to present the initial results during the pitch session. Our objective is to deliver around ten training and on-site exploration sessions across France between 2026 and 2027.
No. We are seeking financial support to scale up the project once the first prototypes have been completed and tested.
organisation
Terra 21 supports cultural organisations in embedding the ecological transition into their activities. Founded in Nantes in 2008 by Hervé Fournier and Dominique Béhar, the agency has developed recognised expertise in three areas : the ecological transition of cultural events and organisations, engaging educational approaches (including the Climate Fresk), and climate adaptation strategies. Terra 21 also contributes to the development of public policies related to climate action.
The project is currently in its prototyping phase, with partnerships being established with the Odéon Theatre, Arviva, Nantes Métropole, Angers Loire Métropole, the CNM, and Bpifrance. We hope Climate Chance will support this initiative and that the pitch session will help generate new collaborations and strategic partnerships.