Does, Film + Fashion + Architecture + Design + Journalism = Sustainability?

Last night saw the launch of an explosive new partnership between the Creative Industries Knowledge Transfer Network and Forum for the Future (a leading sustainability research organization). The event drew together an eclectic mix of some of London's best creatively-conscious minds from fashion, film, architecture, design and journalism. Of course, Nice and Serious were there, engaged in debate and feverously feeding off the creative buzz directed at solving the principle question: can the creative industries lead us to a sustainable future?

The event was chaired by the enigmatic Jonathon Porritt and featured a captivating panel, including the likes of Lord Puttnam, Sebastian Conran, Franny Armstrong (Age of Stupid, Mc Libel), Tim Brown (IDEO), Prof. Frances Corner (London College of Fashion), Michael Pawlyn (Biomimicry in Architecture) and Dan Burgess (Naked Planet). But surely such a creative mix could produce nothing but hot air? In fact, it was quite the opposite. It was starkly clear that everyone in the room was united by the same clear vision for wanting to propel sustainability for the forefront of their respective fields. If anything, being in the presence of such a prolific bunch, literally forced us to think outside of the box – to consider the seemingly tangential learnings from other industries and apply them to our own house. I have no doubt that some inspirational project will emerge from the creative hotpot.

So coming back to the question: can the creative industries lead us to a sustainable future? The answer is yes. After all, this is why Ben and I founded Nice and Serious back in 2008, because we felt that film could play a fundamental role in inspiring and galvanising the public to take positive action to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. This is why our mission as a company is to bring sustainability to life.

I felt that challenges we face as an industry were eloquently summed up by Lord Puttnam when he said that it is a case of “balancing short-term desires with long-term needs”.

We look forward to seeing the fruits of the Creative Industries Knowledge Transfer Network.