Can creativity inspire climate action? The evidence says yes.

The Creative Climate Change II – Final Report presents the findings of a three-year evaluation of Creative Ireland’s Creative Climate Action Fund II: Agents of Change, which supported 42 creative, cultural and artistic projects across Ireland.

The research found that creative experiences helped people build knowledge, confidence and connections, while making climate change more personal, accessible and relevant to everyday life.

The impact was clear: 90% of surveyed participants felt inspired or enthusiastic following a creative experience, 75% said it gave them a new perspective on climate change and the urgency to act, and 79% planned to take climate action or change their behaviour or lifestyle. Meanwhile, 83% said the experience helped them make new connections or strengthen existing ones in their communities.

Projects explored issues including biodiversity, energy, agriculture, the circular economy, climate mitigation and adaptation. Through storytelling, participatory arts, co-creation and community activities, they created new spaces for people to learn, collaborate and have meaningful conversations about climate action.

The evaluation also found that the programme supported a fair and inclusive transition, successfully engaging marginalised and underrepresented groups through accessible and locally relevant approaches. Artists, creative practitioners, community leaders and experts acted as trusted messengers, helping make complex climate issues relatable and inspiring.

The report recommends building on this success by embedding arts, culture and creativity more strategically within Ireland’s climate action policy and implementation. Key recommendations include greater investment in artists and creative practitioners, stronger collaboration between communities, local authorities and organisations, more community-based spaces for dialogue and participation, and longer-term funding models that can support lasting impact.

The findings reinforce the role of creativity as a powerful catalyst for individual, cultural and collective change, helping build the knowledge, motivation, confidence and connections needed to support Ireland’s transition to a sustainable, climate-neutral future.

Read the Creative Climate Change II – Final Report to explore the research findings and recommendations in full here