The UMass Arts Extension Service announces a new course "Greening Your Nonprofit Arts Organization"

Launching in the spring session (Feb. 3) this new online course addresses the unique needs of arts institutions.  Instructor Dee Boyle-Clapp, a sculptor and lecturer on 'green' topics explains, “The arts have always been on the forefront of change, and never has change been more required than today. Whether your organization needs to cut its facility costs, be first in line for donation dollars, wants to go green to fulfill its mission, serve as a community example, or do all of the above, this class is for you.”

Boyle-Clapp continued “We will begin with the big picture issues, including why you want to go green and mission fit, then we tackle energy consumption and HVAC systems; building internal support with green teams and getting the board involved; and will address program specifics, including the comfort and safety of staff and visitors by addressing products and processes used in creating art or cleaning the facility.  Many arts organizations and teaching facilities have a blend of operating needs, and students will define and then focus on their own issues: for example a museum with a museum school may hold an opening reception while simultaneously a printmaking studio in the may be using toxic materials.  We will discuss how that reception could utilize locally grown foods to support their community and reduce carbon footprint and how to transform the studio by utilizing less or non-toxic processes.  In addition we will consider transportation like how the visitor arrives – by car, bus, bicycle or virtually,  purchasing concerns that will reduce waste that will make the organization as green as possible.”

According to Sarah Brophy, author of the Green Museum, a text for this course, ""green is a critical part of the relevancy of non-profits today. No one goes all-green at once, but each green step is progress for the organization."

In this course students will determine which changes are easy to institute, provide the greatest cost savings, reduce the carbon footprint, and involve and build credibility with audiences. Students will learn how to create a Green Team, evaluate the products used in the office and in the programs, create energy use surveys, and conduct a cost-benefit analysis in a hands-on environment.  Each student will walk away with a three-year “Green Plan” tailored to the unique needs of their institution.  

Click here for course description and registration information. and to view syllabus.