Art & Sustainability - presented by Cassandra Schultz

How are artists making head roads into presenting real world solutions to problems of equity, social justice and environmental damage? Join Schultz as she shows some examples of the fantastic creative interventions made by activist and environmental artists such as the founder of XSProject, Ann Wizer. These are shining examples of how much can be achieved with a creative outlook, a bit of initiative, integrity and tenacity.

About XSProject

Based in Jakarta Indonesia, XSProject Foundation purchases post consumer waste trash pickers at a price which is much higher than they receive for other plastics. This serves two purposes, as there is no other market for the type of plastic being used, and it is otherwise non-recyclable, the waste is diverted from polluting rivers and from landfill sites where it is often burned. To date, XSProject has diverted over 18 tons of plastic waste from landfill. Trashpickers receive an extra boost in income of about 30% by collecting and selling this plastic to XSProject.

The group who most benefit, however, are the people involved in the manufacture of the products. Groups such as single mothers and the deaf community are targeted as a way of breaking the poverty cycle. XSProject Foundation seeks out and trains small groups of artisans in the making of these specially designed products. Each group is given products according to their skill level and all workers are paid above average salaries. The skills acquired will enable these workers to find further employment.

About Cassandra Cassandra is a visual artist, arts administrator and event coordinator with extensive professional experience in production and design for live theatre; including various roles with major companies such as The Australian Ballet, The Victorian State Opera and Cameron Mackintosh International. As an artist, Cassandras visual arts practice is informed by her photographic arts training and experience in theatre production and design. Employing practical and highly developed skills in creating diverse works across a number of disciplines and mediums, her works have been exhibited and reviewed within Australia and Internationally. Past research investigates equity, slippages in meaning and definitions of authenticity through engagement with cultural iconography and museology. Cassandra has conceived and managed arts events; planned, researched and written arts policy and most recently, in partnership with David Schultz, incorporated the company LUMINAIDE PTY LTD towards fostering, supporting and developing sustainability in the visual and performing arts sectors.