As the arts sector contends with its impact on climate change, artists, institutions and art fairs are grappling with how to measure and reduce the toll of their activities. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, the Art Dealers Association of America (ADAA) has spent the past year-and- a-half creating a sustainability roadmap to reduce the climate impact of its annual Art Show fair. From biodegradable exhibitor badges to energy-efficient lighting, the roadmap provides sustainable alternatives for every aspect of production. The document will be publicly available to benefit other fairs and exhibitors, and highlights the products vendors should expect to provide in the future.
The roadmap illustrates the power of collaboration. When planning the 2022 edition of The Art Show, committee member Todd Hosfelt asked the ADAA to make sustainability part of its operations. They agreed and Hosfelt suggested bringing on design and architecture firm Gensler, which provides strategic sustainability and decarbonisation initiatives for the built environment.