008. Climate Change and The Performing Arts
Setting the Stage
While the environmental impact of the performing arts has been a topic of increasing concern (international tours, design of new or renovated concert halls, energy saving solutions…), it is equally crucial to consider the reverse –how rapidly deteriorating environmental conditions, exacerbated by climate change, have profound and far-reaching effects on orchestras, operas, and the performing arts sector at large. The detrimental effects of air pollution on athletic performance or cognitive sharpness in professional tasks have been extensively documented, leading to a substantial body of scientific literature. Yet, there remains a noticeable gap in research concerning its impact on the performing arts. Despite observable indications that poor air quality significantly challenges artists in achieving performance excellence, this critical area has not received the in-depth attention it deserves.
In June 2023, unprecedented wildfires ravaged Canada for several weeks, casting a pall of toxic smoke that has drifted southwards to infiltrate the United States, resulting in the worst air pollution in the nation’s recent recorded history. This calamitous event, seemingly distant from the typical concerns of the cultural sector, has nonetheless revealed a pressing and underacknowledged challenge for the performing arts: information filtering through from those working on the ground in New York reveals that the deteriorated air quality is already having a detrimental impact on operatic and orchestral performances.
The Air We Breathe: Environmental Challenges for Performers and Audiences
The severity of the current climate crisis is highlighted by both a recent alarming update published in the Earth System Science Data and the research from Stanford University Echo Lab, which reveals that on 7 June 2023 the average American was exposed to 27.5 micrograms per cubic metre of small particulate matter carried within the plumes of smoke, the highest level ever recorded. These microscopic particles, known as PM2.5, penetrate deep into the lungs when inhaled and are linked to a variety of health conditions, even causing premature deaths. This level of pollution is notably higher than previous records, painting a worrying picture of the potential health implications for all citizens, including artists and performers.
As the climate crisis escalates, and these extreme occurrences become more frequent, it is imperative to consider how this reality can disrupt the world of performing arts. As observed in New York, some opera and orchestral performances —especially outdoor ones, as one could expect, but not only— were perturbed by the execrable air quality resulting from these wildfires. The breath control required for operatic singing and the playing of wind instruments is a delicate art, balanced on the knife-edge of physical capability. Awful air quality tips this balance, making performances challenging and potentially hazardous to the health of performers. This issue is particularly novel for regions such as the US East Coast, which is unaccustomed to such disasters and the associated risks. Throughout history, the performing arts have flourished in environments that promoted both physical wellbeing and artistic liberty. This current air quality crisis represents not just a physical constraint, but a significant departure from the traditionally supportive environments that have historically fostered the flourishing of opera and orchestral music. From a business perspective, this shift demands a reevaluation of venue selection and performance logistics, profoundly impacting the operational and strategic planning of arts organisations. In response to these environmental challenges, performing arts organisations must consider innovative business models. Opportunities such as virtual performances, which transcend geographical and environmental limitations, offer a new revenue stream. Partnerships with environmental technology firms for sustainable practices could not only mitigate the adverse effects but also position these organisations as pioneers in eco-conscious cultural experiences.
As we will likely face the new reality of increasingly poor air quality more and more frequently, it requires a change in the way we approach the management of cultural events. Common advice for dealing with poor air quality, such as staying indoors, using air purifiers, and wearing masks, while essential for maintaining health, brings with it a host of implications for the performing arts. Rehearsals, performances, and even the simple act of practising one’s craft are hampered significantly by these precautions. The invisible nature of the threat is particularly insidious. Wildfire smoke at the level seen on the East Coast in the summer 2023 permeates everything, and the risk from air pollution remains even when one cannot see or smell it. The potential implications of this for performing arts spaces are substantial. Even after the visible signs of smoke have subsided, particulate matter remains in the air and on surfaces, necessitating rigorous —and costly— cleaning protocols and ongoing air filtration measures in venues.
In the face of these challenges, the call for adaptive strategies within the performing arts community becomes louder. For some, this may involve investing in air filtration systems for their venues, a solution that may be beyond the reach of smaller and amateur orchestras or opera houses. Others may seek alternative venues, potentially even exploring outdoor performances where air quality permits. Such solutions, while not without their challenges, reflect the creativity and resilience intrinsic to the arts community. However, it is essential to recognise that these are merely reactive measures, serving to mitigate rather than solve the underlying problem. The increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires, fuelled by climate change, pose a severe threat to the performing arts given that they happen mostly in spring and summer time, which is the preferred time of the year for outdoor performances and festivals.
Consider the lyric soprano, the choir, or the brass players, all of whom depend on good respiratory health to carry out their duties. The complex physiological processes that these artists engage in to produce and modulate sound are exquisitely sensitive to air quality. The impact of poor air quality extends beyond temporary discomfort, posing a serious long-term threat to performers' respiratory health. Chronic conditions resulting from prolonged exposure can irreparably damage performers' vocal and respiratory capabilities, endangering their careers and, by extension, the viability of live performances. This health hazard necessitates a strategic rethinking of occupational health policies and support systems within performing arts organisations to safeguard not only the wellbeing of their most valuable assets —the artists themselves— but also the tourist-intensive ecosystem of spring and summer outdoor festivals and performances.
Strategic and Financial Implications
The inhalation of polluted air irritates the respiratory tract, reduces lung capacity, and triggers allergic reactions, all of which impair a performer’s ability to control their breath —a vital factor in the delivery of a powerful musical performance. Also, the audience, the lifeblood of any performance, is not immune to these effects. The health and comfort of the audience, integral to the performing arts ecosystem, are under serious threat. Exposure to polluted air not only compromises the audience's immediate experience but also raises long-term public health concerns, potentially leading to a decline in community engagement with the arts. This underscores the need for arts organisations to invest in audience-centric environmental strategies, enhancing their commitment to providing not only cultural enrichment but also a safe and healthy environment for their patrons. Awful air quality discourages attendance at live performances, leading to a decrease in ticket sales and revenues, and ultimately threatening the financial viability of these cultural institutions. The economic impact of this environmental crisis extends far beyond diminished ticket sales. The additional expenses incurred from implementing air filtration systems, modifying venues, and the potential financial losses from cancelled performances, pose a significant strain on the already limited budgets of arts organisations.
A Call for Resilience and Innovation
This situation calls for a deep exploration of alternative solutions such as, for example, innovative financial strategies, coordination with policy makers to expand the scope of the existing regulatory frameworks, and potential governmental support to ensure the sustainability of these cultural institutions in the face of environmental challenges. The recent reports of disturbances at performances due to the smoke from the Canadian wildfires are not isolated events but symptoms of an escalating crisis in the domain of arts and culture.
Looking ahead, it is clear that the intersections between climate change, air quality, and the performing arts are far from straightforward. The current predicament underscores the urgent need for collaborative action between environmental policymakers and cultural leaders. This collaboration is essential to advocate effectively for climate policies that consider the unique needs of the arts sector. To effectively navigate these challenges, specific policy recommendations are vital. This includes advocating for subsidies or grants to arts organisations for environmental adaptations, and promoting collaborations between cultural institutions and environmental agencies. Illustratively, the joint initiatives between the European Environment Agency and various cultural institutions serves as a beacon, demonstrating how collaborative efforts can lead to more sustainable practices while raising environmental awareness.
Additionally, there's a pressing requirement for the development of comprehensive emergency response strategies. These strategies should be designed to safeguard the performing arts against environmental threats, ensuring the sector's resilience and sustainability in the face of escalating climate challenges. The challenges are significant, but they also offer opportunities for innovation, resilience, and leadership. The current predicament underscores the need for a paradigm shift in the management of arts and culture – one that acknowledges and addresses the interconnectedness of the environment, human health, and the arts. The effects of climate change on music performance, particularly in relation to air quality, are far-reaching and require urgent attention.
Your Thoughts?
In light the challenges that climate change brings to the performing arts, your insights and experiences are important. How do you see the orchestra industry adapting and thriving in these challenging conditions? Please, feel free to share your thoughts and ideas.
Anguiano, Dani. 2023. “Surviving the Smoke-Pocalypse 101: Californians Offer Advice to New Yorkers.” The Guardian, June 9. Link.
Climate Adapt / European Environment Agency. 2021-2022. Cultural Adaptations initiative. Link.
Gabbatt, Adam. 2023. “Canada Wildfires Smoke Could Linger Over Parts of US for Days, Officials Warn.” The Guardian, June 8. Link.
Milman, Oliver. 2023. “Air Pollution in US from Wildfire Smoke Is Worst in Recent Recorded History.” The Guardian, June 8. Link.
Smith, Chris, Tristram Walsh, Alex Borger, Piers Forster, Nathan Gillett, Mathias Hauser, Willam Lamb, et al. 2023. “Indicators of Global Climate Change 2022.” DOI link.
More details and relevant bibliographic references may be found in my new book, Orchestra Management in Practice (Routledge, London, 2024).
The author, not a native English speaker, used Large Language Models (LLMs) for editing the article, addressing grammar, syntax, and spelling, enhancing fluency and readability, and translating sections from his native languages. Academically, LLMs helped in peer-reviewing, identifying gaps, and suggesting improvements.
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