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  • Writer's picturePhil Jarvis

How Can Artists Contribute to the UN Global Goals?

Career Callings is a free new online platform to help students and adults discover their career callings, purpose, or life mission using the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).



A career development professional I highly admire and respect reviewed the Career Callings prototype this week. His feedback was positive and encouraging, yet he expressed concern that occupations important to him, like artists and musicians, don't fit in the framework. So I submitted the following prompt to ChatGPT and got its response in seconds.


Me: How can artists, musicians, and dancers contribute to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?


ChatGPT: "Artists, musicians, and dancers play important roles in contributing to several of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). While their direct involvement may not be as explicit as some other sectors, their work often intersects with various goals, primarily through their ability to raise awareness, inspire action, and foster cultural exchange. Here's how they can contribute to specific SDGs:


  • SDG 4: Quality Education: Artists, musicians, and dancers can contribute to education by creating educational content that engages learners and promotes critical thinking. Through their performances, they can also communicate messages about the importance of education and lifelong learning.

  • SDG 5: Gender Equality: Art has the power to challenge gender stereotypes and promote gender equality. Musicians, for example, can use their lyrics to advocate for women's rights, while dancers can perform pieces that highlight gender issues and celebrate diversity.

  • SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: Artists contribute to economic growth by providing employment opportunities in creative industries. Musicians, dancers, and visual artists generate income through performances, exhibitions, and sales of their work, thus supporting local economies.

  • SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: Artists drive innovation in various industries by pushing boundaries and experimenting with new techniques and technologies. They also contribute to the development of cultural infrastructure by creating demand for venues such as theaters, galleries, and concert halls.

  • SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities: Art has the power to amplify the voices of marginalized communities and promote social inclusion. Artists, musicians, and dancers often use their platforms to raise awareness about social injustices and advocate for the rights of underrepresented groups.

  • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: Cultural activities contribute to vibrant and inclusive communities. Public art installations, street performances, and community arts programs enhance the livability of urban areas and foster a sense of belonging among residents.

  • SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production: Artists can promote sustainable practices by using environmentally friendly materials and techniques in their work. They can also raise awareness about the environmental impact of consumerism through their art and performances.

  • SDG 13: Climate Action: Artists have the ability to inspire action on climate change through their work. They can create visual art, music, and dance performances that convey messages about environmental stewardship and the need for sustainable living. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: Artistic expression can promote peace and social cohesion by fostering dialogue, empathy, and understanding. Musicians, dancers, and visual artists often use their platforms to advocate for human rights, justice, and conflict resolution.

  • SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: Collaboration between artists, policymakers, businesses, and civil society organizations is essential for achieving the SDGs. Artists can contribute to multi-stakeholder partnerships by lending their creativity and cultural expertise to initiatives aimed at addressing global challenges.


Overall, artists, musicians, and dancers play diverse and significant roles in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, leveraging their creativity and influence to promote positive social, economic, and environmental change."


Any work or life role I can imagine can be viewed in the context of the SDGs. You can test this yourself by entering a prompt like "How can __________________s (your example) contribute to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?" to ChatGPT or your favorite AI platform.


I encourage you to visit Career Callings.

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