- Posted on January 16th, 2025
CCL Alumni in Focus: Katherine Carleton
Julie’s Bicycle’s Creative Climate Leadership (CCL) programme aims to build an international network of diverse and influential cultural climate leaders who will work with their communities to make change happen.
Katherine Carleton took part in the CCL Canada 2022 programme. She is Executive Director of Orchestras Canada (the National Association for Canadian Orchestras).
How has your journey unfolded since CCL, and what creative climate projects are you currently working on?
Honestly? With mingled dread as we continue to see the impact of climate change around the world, and with deep admiration for the people and movements leading the change away from harmful practices. I ask a lot more questions of myself and the people around me.
At Orchestras Canada, we’ve recently embarked on a journey with Julie’s Bicycle to develop a Canadian edition of the Green Orchestras Guide and Charter, modelled on pioneering work done by the Association of British Orchestras in the early 2010s – but updated and re-thought to reflect Canadian realities and inspirations. I’m excited to see what comes out of this work: we’re genuinely trying to blend highly practical counsel with a dose of inspiration.
What does Creative Climate Leadership mean to you?
It means using the best of who we are and what we create and do to inspire change.
What is most exciting about working in the creative community on climate transformations?
I’m excited at the opportunities this project presents us to help connect the personal beliefs of orchestra folks – musicians, administrators, technicians – with the work they do in ways that help to drive change. In our relentless quest for excellence – for “world class performances”, I fear that we sometimes think it necessary to put our social and environmental commitments to the side. I want to support better integration of these polarities.
What are your ambitions for your creative climate project?
I want us to emerge with work that inspires and supports the visionaries in our sector, and that makes immediate and practical sense to those charged with implementation.
What is one piece of advice you would give to someone working on climate-related projects right now?
There’s space and support for your skills and your vision in this generous, urgent movement. The important thing is to get started.
Any upcoming programmes / webinars / events to mention?
We’re working on a timetable right now: watch this space!
What has been the most significant shift/change that you have seen/felt in your own practice/organisation, in relation to climate action? (asked by previous CCL Spotlight interviewee Su Shaw)
We are much more comfortable asking questions and confronting organisational choices that would have been unassailable, previously.
