This open access book offers a grounded exploration of how arts and culture across East and Southeast Asia are responding to the urgent call for environmental sustainability. While sustainability has gained traction globally, most frameworks and literature remain Western centric. In contrast, this volume surfaces lesser known practices, ideas, and models rooted in Asian contexts. It asks: How do artists, institutions, and communities in the region engage with environmental issues? What role does cultural heritage play? What tensions arise in aligning creativity, sustainability, and policy? The book is structured around the APC framework: Advocacy, Practice, and Conservation. It brings together research chapters and critical case studies that look beyond tokenistic gestures to spotlight deeper shifts in how sustainability is understood and practiced. Critical case studies are shorter contributions, focusing on grounded insights drawn from practice and specific contexts. From bamboo opera theatres to youth led climate artivism, these chapters show that cultural sustainability is not just about preservation or awareness raising. It also involves new ways of making, organising, and relating to people and place. In line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those concerning climate action, sustainable cities, and partnerships, this book recognises the value of cultural participation in advancing sustainability. While not bound by the SDG framework, the chapters resonate with its spirit by emphasising ecological balance, inclusive growth, and cultural rights. This volume is of interest scholars, students, and practitioners working in sustainability, cultural studies, creative arts, environmental humanities, and policy. It is especially relevant for those who want to understand sustainability not just as an outcome but as a process shaped by cultural values, local realities, and artistic imagination.

Benny Lim is Associate Professor of Practice in Cultural Management and Director of the MA in Cultural Management Programme at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK). He is currently Board Member of Current Plans, an independent arts space in Hong Kong; Theatre Juror for the Asian Cultural Council Hong Kong Fellowships; Specialist with the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications; member of the Programme Sub-committee of The TENG Company; and Advisor to the University Arts Centre, CUHK Shenzhen. Previous governance and advisory roles include Along the Edge Limited, Hong Kong Arts Development Council, Macao Fringe Festival 2025, and Justice Centre Hong Kong. Benny has worked as producer and director on numerous original theatre productions and arts festivals for over 25 years. In 2021, he initiated the “Art and Aging” project and has since launched a series of drama workshops and developing a Cantonese-language Arts Resource Hub for seniors.
 
Anna CY Chan is an internationally recognised leader with 35 years of distinguished service in advancing performing arts education. Combining artistic excellence, extensive management experience, and a global professional network, she has made transformative contributions across academia, arts administration, production, and international collaboration. Currently, she is a member of the Performing Arts Committee of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority, Director of the Tai Kwun Board, and Chair of its Culture and Arts Programme Committee. She serves as President of the World Dance Alliance and Council Member of the China Dancers Association. Committed to sustainability, Prof Chan has championed SDG-aligned initiatives, including green theatres and environmentally responsible performing arts facilities. Her academic and institutional leadership includes restructuring HKAPA’s organisational framework, driving long-term strategic development and planning, and leading new campus development initiatives. She has strengthened academic governance, quality assurance, and self-accreditation, reinforcing HKAPA’s position as a leading arts institution in Asia.
 
Louis Yu is a senior arts administration expert and city culture scholar in Hong Kong. He is the Founder and Executive Director of the Hong Kong Culture and Sustainability Centre, convener of the Hong Kong Culture and Sustainability Conference (CUSU). He also serves as an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Cultural and Religious Studies at the Chinese University of Hong Kong and sits on the Advisory Committee on Countryside Conservation of the HKSAR. He is an Honorary Fellow of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. He was Awarded the Medal of Honour by the Hong Kong Government. His previous roles include the Director of the Hong Kong Art School, Executive Director for Performing Arts at the West Kowloon Cultural District, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Arts Development Council, and Executive Director of the Hong Kong Arts Centre. He has written three books on city culture: How Cities Culture (2022) and Towards a Cultural City (2024), and Culture for a Sustainable City (2026). He has given the talk “How Cities Culture” for nearly 200 times in recent years.