The intersection of art, culture, and sustainability is not only shaping how we view creativity but also how we rethink the economy. As we move toward a circular economy—one that focuses on minimizing waste, maximizing resources, and regenerating natural systems—arts and culture have an essential role to play.

At the heart of this movement is the growing influence of Indigenous knowledge systems, a profound and ancient wisdom deeply in tune with the flow of nature. This relational approach contrasts sharply with the exploitative, linear models of consumption that dominate today’s economic landscape. Indigenous thinkers like Tyson Yunkaporta, through his Indigenous Knowledge Systems Lab (IKSL), and Jack Manning Bancroft of AIME and IMAGIN-NATION, are leading the charge in rethinking how we engage with the world around us. They offer a systems-relational perspective that can guide us in redesigning our economic structures in ways that foster both environmental and cultural regeneration.

At NENA and NACH, we find inspiration in this relational ethos, recognizing the inherent connection between art, culture, and the natural world. Our name, NACH (pronounced “natch”), playfully embodies this philosophy—”naturally.” It speaks to the harmony we strive for, both in the cosmos and within the communities we serve. But we aren’t just looking at Indigenous knowledge systems for their own sake. Instead, we are positioning ourselves as allies, amplifying the voices of these Indigenous thinker-activists and translating their ideas for non-Indigenous audiences, particularly those in Anglo-European communities.

In this context, art and culture are not separate from economic innovation—they are critical to it. Creative projects provide powerful platforms for challenging old models, fostering dialogue, and imagining new ways of being. From exhibitions to performances, the arts can help us explore the rich insights offered by thinkers like Yunkaporta and Manning Bancroft, as well as pioneers like Margo Neale of the National Museum of Australia, who is dedicated to weaving together Indigenous and Western knowledge systems for cultural healing.

By fostering partnerships, producing webinars, and showcasing projects that bridge art and sustainability, NACH aims to be a vibrant node in this larger global network. While our focus is on supporting non-Indigenous communities in their journey to embrace these perspectives, we remain open to collaborating with Indigenous thinkers and projects when the opportunity arises.

In a circular economy, nothing is wasted, and everything has value. Art and culture embody this principle by offering new ways of seeing and engaging with the world. Through NACH, we invite people to participate in this global movement for economic and cultural renewal—an evolution that’s as natural as the creative process itself.