In a world facing unprecedented environmental challenges, creative industry leaders like Keinton Butler are stepping up to make a difference. As a judge for the Environmental Art & Design Prize in 2025, Butler brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to sustainability.

As Senior Curator at Powerhouse Museum, Sydney and Creative Director of Sydney Design Week, Butler believes that artists and designers have the power to influence societal change. 

"We are living in challenging times, but despite this, creative practitioners continue to develop new methodologies and thought-provoking work that influences the behavioural and institutional change needed to address our environmental problems," says Butler. 

She believes that by encouraging us to consider the social, political, and cultural consequences of our actions, artists and designers can help shape a more sustainable future. 

For Butler, a significant turning point came during the London Design Festival in 2013, where she curated a large-scale textile installation titled Water-Colour. This installation highlighted the environmental issues associated with the global fashion industry, such as water consumption and toxic waste. This research-led interactive space marked the beginning of Butler’s curatorial focus on environmental sustainability. 

As a judge for the 2025 Environmental Art & Design Prize, Butler is excited to see the creativity offered by local artists and designers. She is looking forward to connecting with practitioners who explore environmental sustainability and its challenge in their work. 

She encourages artists to collaborate with others, whether they are local or global practitioners, cultural institutions, academics or community members. 

“There is much to be gained from sharing ideas and expertise with others outside of your chosen field or discipline," Butler advises. 

She knows collaboration is particularly important for designers in developing alternative perspectives and opening new pathways to solve contemporary challenges.

Call for submissions

The Environmental Art & Design Prize is an opportunity for creative practitioners to showcase their work and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Follow the prize, its finalists and the final exhibition to find out more about how art and design can empower us.

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