In 2020, Sculpture Placement Group created the Circular Arts Network (CAN), an online platform where individuals and organisations can redistribute a range of art resources, materials, and equipment within creative communities. In doing so, they demonstrate valuable circular principles by diverting waste to organisations who give it a second life in imaginative ways. The platform fosters a culture of sustainability in a number of ways, where the life cycle of resources is extended, and organisations can form meaningful connections. Not only are physical resources shared locally, artists and craftspeople can also offer their skills to others to further develop the circularity of resources in their community.

Initially designed as a response to the financial challenges of the artworld and as a practical effort in the face of the climate emergency, the platform also welcomes involvement from across sectors. For example, a number of construction companies have offered site waste that would usually end up in landfill, taken instead by artists to create something new.

Step Up to Net Zero  

Sculpture Placement Group were a pilot organisation that took part in the first phase of Step Up to Net Zero. Through a dedicated placement, they were able to create a bespoke tool to calculate carbon emissions for specialised materials, generate and share arts specific resources with other organisations, and build on the collaboration they were already cultivating across sectors.

CAN Plugin 

CAN originated in Glasgow, but the group have recently developed a free, downloadable WordPress plugin so that organisations working in a multitude of industries can integrate the ‘Gumtree’ style platform into their own website. It can be easily adapted to the requirements of varying locations, seamlessly building circular practices into communities around the UK and beyond and giving organisations the opportunity to innovate and work together in rewarding and sustainable ways.