Drawing Cultural Dynamics: A Reflexive Practice within Governance for Sustainable Transitions
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“Why are so few things happening when we know this much?” This question—posed by an environmental objectives coordinator at a Swedish regional authority—captures a central dilemma in climate governance. Despite knowing the changes needed, institutional efforts often stall. This project explores how reflective drawing practices can surface hidden cultural dynamics that contribute to this inertia.
In collaboration with the regional authority, the County Administrative Board (Länsstyrelsen) Västra Götaland, the project combined reflective questions, drawing, and dialogue to enable learning across perspectives. Participants were invited to reflect on and share values, purposes, and conditions shaping their work. Drawing, in particular, offered a meaningful way to explore and express perceptions that are difficult to articulate—opening space for authenticity, understanding, and moments of humour, while fostering connection and trust.
The findings show how these accessible tools can create inclusive environments for reflection and shared learning. By gently surfacing underlying assumptions and deepening cultural awareness, this approach encourages more values-aware ways of working that can nurture deeper change.
It rests on three elements:
– Asking reflective questions (that embed the dilemma)
– Engaging diverse perspectives (including disagreement)
– Creating conditions for trust, reflection, and exchange (where drawing played a key role)
As the climate crisis demands not only action but shifts in how we think, feel, and relate, this work invites designing not just for change, but for the relationships that make change possible.
camillauhlen@gmail.com
