- Posted on July 31st, 2024
CCL Alumni in Focus: Lyke Poortvliet
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.
Lyke Poortvliet took part in the CCL Wales 2017 programme. She is a co-director of Green Events, helping to drive environmental and social change in the events industry.
How has your journey unfolded since CCL, and what creative climate projects are you currently working on?
Since my CCL attendance in 2017, I’ve become co-owner of Green Events in 2019, and we survived the challenging coronavirus pandemic as a company. Together with my companion and our creative team of experts, we work on several projects, from Circular Festivals to ADE Green, Future Festival Tools, and much more. In the Netherlands, we are leading in the sustainability and events industry.
What does Creative Climate Leadership mean to you?
For me, it means translating complex scientific data, reports, and warnings on ecological topics into stories, live environments, and experiences that connect to the heart instead of the head, reaching millions.
What is most exciting about working in the creative community on climate transformations?
For the Climate Justice programme at ADE Green this year – I would like to highlight climate justice issues through the lens of Indigenous and marginalised communities in the music industry during ADE Green. This is the sub-conference at the Amsterdam Dance Event where 12,000 international professionals gather.
What is one piece of advice you would give to someone working on climate-related projects right now?
Do not point fingers and let people or organisations feel shame and guilt. Instead, acknowledge anxiety or fear of the unknown and provide perspective for action and solutions, positively impacting social and ecological themes.
Any upcoming programmes / webinars / events to mention?
ADE Green – 18th October 2024
With more than 500,000 attendees annually, Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) is the most upfront and influential gathering for global music and its industry. We present ADE Green on the 18th of October – a conference that encourages and supports sustainability and social change in the music and events industry. More info here.
I recommend watching these two programmes:
The Heart of Leadership – Mac MaCartney
Mac MaCartney, a compelling speaker, advocates for values-led leadership in uncertain times. His talk highlights the need for authentic, courageous leaders who challenge the status quo. Valuable for those shaping the future of the electronic music industry.
Bamboo is Booming
Bamboo is becoming popular in Europe for sustainable building and climate benefits. This video explores its future impact on the events industry, focusing on scenic design, farming, and socio-economic benefits, with insights from experts in engineering, carbon offsetting, and festival architecture.
Leadership Course for Events Professionals – November / December 2024
Develop crucial leadership skills and learn from experts how to effectively integrate sustainability into your work as a creative event professional. In just three days you will be provided with theoretical backgrounds, practical examples and leadership skills for effective change management. Learn from scientists from Radboud University and practical teachers from the events industry how to convert theoretical principles into concrete plans for your event. More info in Dutch here.
What is one of your most memorable or powerful experiences of or in nature? (asked by previous CCL Spotlight interviewee Jessica Sim)
I hiked in the wilderness of northern Thailand with a Finnish adventurer on my 21st birthday. Without food, water, or shelter, we hiked and climbed in the jungle to define our paths for five days. Relying on nature, accepting the unknown, and having faith that we would find food, water, and shelter in time was intense. Surrounded by insects, wild animals, and bushfires, this was my most powerful natural experience.
Links:
Tickets for ADE Green are now on sale.
The Creative Climate Leadership Network is supported by
Porticus, the European Cultural Foundation’s Culture of Solidarity Fund, and Pro Helvetia and Stiftung Mercator Schweiz for CCL Switzerland.
