Last month, our team at Circular Arts Network had the pleasure of attending Springboard Local Assembly, Lanarkshire 2025. Hosted by Lanarkshire Climate Action Hub and North Lanarkshire Arts, in partnership with Culture for Climate Scotland, the event brought together artists, cultural organisations, and environmental groups to explore how the arts can play a vital role in tackling the climate emergency.
Springboard was a dynamic mix of panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities, focusing on practical strategies for reducing environmental impact while strengthening creative communities. Key themes included sustainable production methods, circular economy practices, and the role of art in inspiring behavioural change.
At CAN, we were particularly interested in conversations about resource sharing and how creative networks can help reduce waste and promote reuse within the arts. It was inspiring to connect with others working on similar initiatives and to see the growing momentum behind circular practices in the cultural sector.
As part of the programme, CAN delivered an info session combined with a hands-on workshop, Weaving with Waste, designed around resources available for free and locally on CAN. Participants repurposed painting stretchers as looms and experimented with weaving using a mix of materials, including yarn, waste packaging straps, discarded cables, and party banners—many of which are currently available to be passed on via CAN.
Throughout the day, we also explored new opportunities for circular practices, such as skills sharing, intergenerational learning groups, seed libraries and growing projects, educational resources, and share-and-repair networks.
Springboard reinforced the idea that collective action and cross-sector collaboration are essential in building a more sustainable future for the arts. We left feeling inspired and full of ideas to bring back to CAN—watch this space!
