"Artists are some of our greatest creative thinkers. Why wouldn't you want us in a room talking about

solutions to our world's greatest problems?"

- Lisa Russell, Founder, Create2030


Yes, we are in an unusual time. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the world as we know it has changed. Despite the incredible challenges, it may also to prove to be a great opportunity.

One of the most resilient groups that will come out of these challenging times are the creatives. We will create. We will problem solve. We will find purpose in all of this. We will forge a new path for a greater world.

It's with that understanding that we have decided to move forward with the inaugural ARTS x SDGS Festival - however we will be hosting it online; every month, until further notice. We believe that we need a festival of this focus on social good, to boost morale, create community and document the historical narrative of this time through art.

Thanks to our Lead Sponsor, SheDecides and our Tech Sponsor, Mojavie, the ARTS x SDGS Online Festival aims to be the most dynamic, artist-led event bringing together members of the growing creative economy along with UN/NGO actors in support of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs.)

It is curated by professional artists who are leaders in their respective industries as well as experienced working with the UN/NGO sector.

A showcase of SDG-related art, a practical skills-building opportunity with creative workshops and presentations by SDG actors, the ARTS x SDGs Festival invests in the development of artists and storytellers who want to forge a career path or produce creative content around the SDGs.

We pride ourselves in creating a festival that breaks down silos between the creative community and UN/NGO agencies, promoting responsible partnerships between content producers, brands, international agencies and others.

Welcome to the April 2021 ARTS x SDGS Festival!


You can view previous editions of the ARTS x SDGS Festival below:

October 2020 Festival

August 2020 Festival

April 2020 Festival

WHY THE CREATIVE ECONOMY?

  • The creative economy is one of the most rapidly growing sectors of the world economy. (SDG Fund)

  • The creative economy is booming with more than 300 million workers in the creative class. (International Labor Organization)

  • Cultural and creative industries are major drivers of economies by capitalizing US $2,250 billion and creating 29.5 million jobs globally (SDG Fund)

  • Creative economy is an “asset for diplomacy and foreign policy” that could play a role in achieving the United Nations SDGs (World Conference on Creative Economies)