Art for the Future

This project supports the implementation of the UNESCO Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the creation of a limited series of collectible artwork.

Seventeen original pieces of artwork will be designed and created, representing each of the SDGs. Like the Goals, each piece is interconnected and together make up a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts.

Culture has been recognized as integral to achieving the SDGs, and it is through cultural expression that each goal will be considered and brought to life on canvas. Each piece will be thoughtfully created to highlight the actions that we may take together, individually and collectively, in order to ensure a more equitable future for our communities, our economies, and our environments.

One of the more evocative elements of culture is its ability to connect people from all different backgrounds in order to share and express ideas about the relationships among ourselves, our communities and our built and natural environments. Cultural exchanges also help build trust within diverse communities, and it’s our intention that this project will develop trust among the artist and supporters throughout the course of the project, and in doing so, directly contribute to the realization of the SDGs.

We’re at a pivotal moment in our world, and Art for the Future captures the spirit of this time, our collective optimism for the future, and a few ideas of what that future might look like when it arrives. Each piece represents a shared commitment to a more sustainable future.

Patrons can claim stewardship of one or more goals, and will have the opportunity to connect directly with the artist to give shape to the artwork. Patrons will be encouraged to share their thoughts, ideas, and hopes for heritage conservation, art, and sustainable development, which will in turn be reflected on canvas.

Patrons will be able to track the art project as it progresses through regular communication updates, along with entertaining news, ideas and inspiration for action that can be taken in pursuit of the goals.

Each limited edition piece and print is signed by the artist, and comes with a certificate of authenticity and information about the initiative. The project will take place over the summer and fall of 2021, and patrons will receive their perks well ahead of Christmas.

The Backstory

This project is being undertaken by the staff at Heritage Connects, a small business that works to integrate heritage conservation and sustainable development. With respect for our shared global heritage, our interdisciplinary team works in the space where theory and practice, tradition and innovation converge in order to sustain connections among people and place.

This year, as part of our corporate social responsibility strategy, we challenged ourselves to ‘think outside the box’ and find new ways to support sustainable activities and connect people with important cultural issues…and presto—Art for the Future was born.

The artwork is an expression of the exchanges among the artist, patrons and the environment in which they are produced. Each piece is a careful balancing act between what is and what could be, and reflect the tensions between the strength and fragility inherent in our culture and environment. The art serves to translate policy into action and in doing so mediates the landscape between theory and practice, the realm of the ideal and the more pragmatic world. Each piece expresses hope and ambition: each traces a journey of the ideas that change our world, and the complex process of the sublimation of these ideas into the tangible and material. This is Art for the Future.

Art for Impact

Building creative capacity: We are planning to raise $50,000+. This funding will cover project expenses that include materials, shipping, and crowd-funding platform fees. Any profit over and above this will be used to support the evolution of Heritage Connects as it grows from a part-time idea into a full-time non-profit social enterprise. We have other conservation projects in the development stage that we’re looking forward to sharing, and Art for the Future represents a step forward down this path.

The power of cultural exchange: Our patrons are co-drivers on this project! You have the opportunity to take stewardship of one or more of the sustainable development goals and directly shape the art that is produced.

Sustainable development on canvas: Patrons and backers will enjoy the fruits of artistic labours through a unique, one-of-a-kind limited edition original artwork that is suitable for framing. This could sit in a place of pride on your wall, and also makes for a meaningful  personal or CSR-friendly corporate gift.

Leveraging inspiration: the collectible postcards and sticker sets featuring each of the seventeen artworks can be used to help spread the word. Spark a conversation with your friends and family. Counter apathy with action and share your ideas about what a more sustainable future could look like, a story, or your favourite recipe. 

From ideas to action: The project supports SDGs 8, 11 and 12. We’ll use sustainable materials, and support local businesses and those with corporate social responsibility strategies that consider sustainable development through our activities. 

We thank you in advance for your support. On the off chance we don’t reach our entire goal, we’ll use the existing funds to continue the project with a more limited scope. Cultural expressions are resilient and persistent: Art for the Future embodies this spirit!

About the Artist

Nancy Oakley is a Canadian public historian, educator, cultural heritage specialist, and semi-professional artist. She has over ten years’ experience working directly with communities and cultural organizations to help them build capacity by leveraging the power of culture, history and place. Her work integrates the conservation of natural and cultural heritage in order to sustain distinct cultural expressions, biodiversity, and economic prosperity. Her literary contributions and visual art have appeared in bookstores and gallery spaces across Canada. She is an active volunteer with culture and heritage organizations, and enjoys offering free* advice to industry leaders and decision-makers about the importance of conserving heritage.

Art for the Future: a Challenge and Opportunity

We’ve designed and led collaborative initiatives before. We also have over twenty years’ experience creating artwork. What’s new and exciting for us is to bring both of these activities together. We’re excited to use a new way connect and collaborate with stakeholders that creates meaningful dialogue about policy. Artistically, the project represents a challenge to translate an exchange of perspectives through the medium of canvas and acrylic.  

While the current socio-economic conditions have made living and working a little more challenging these days, we see this as wonderful incentive to take on this initiative–if not now, then when? This project offers a unique opportunity to capture the spirit of the times as we re-consider and re-affirm our common global humanity.

We Appreciate Your Support

Patrons can support this initiative by supporting the creation of one or more original pieces. Patrons who back the production of original artwork at the $1,000 will have the opportunity to connect directly with the artist to help give shape to the art.

Backers who want to support this project can also purchase limited edition reproductions, collectible postcards and sticker sets, and will be included in our project updates.