New charity to fund sector solutions to climate change

A new charity is planning to bring visual arts and music organisations together by funding projects delivering impactful environmental solutions.

Murmur is launching with over £1m in pledges from partner organisations in the visual arts and music industries including leading galleries and music labels.

It has already delivered several pilot grants, including one to the British Phonographic Industry and the Association of Independent Music to establish the Music Climate Pact.

The charity will deliver grants in three categories. Grants to 'Change the Industry' projects will look to make positive change within the visual arts and music sector, 'Change the Conversation' grants will be available to projects inspiring new ways of storytelling and positive action around climate change and 'Change the World' grants will go to projects that have tangible global impacts on climate change.

Murmur says it will welcome new partners as it “aims to galvanise the whole arts and music sector”. To become a partner, businesses must commit to a carbon audit and reduction of their carbon emissions in line with a 1.5C future and make annual financial contributions to the charty’s shared fund based on their environmental impact.

“Our mission is to transform these industries from the inside out, making environmental responsibility integral to their operation,” said Chair of the Board of Trustees and one of Murmur’s creators, Caius Pawson.

“Joining us is not about gaining a privilege, it’s about making a profound commitment to change – not only in the way you conduct your business but also in how we collectively shape our industry.”