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{{For|the village in Switzerland|Coltura, Switzerland}}
{{Short description|American environmentalist group}}
{{Infobox organization
{{Infobox organization
| logo = Coltura logo.png
| logo = Coltura logo.png
| type = [[Nonprofit organization|Nonprofit]]
| type = [[Nonprofit organization|Nonprofit]]
| key_people = Matthew Metz (Co-director)<br/>Janelle London (Co-director)
| name = Coltura
| name = Coltura
| founded = {{Start date and age|2014}}
| founded = {{Start date and age|2014}}
| location = [[Seattle]], [[Washington (state)|Washington]]
| location = [[Seattle]], [[Washington (state)|Washington]]
| founder = Matthew Metz
| founder = Matthew Metz
| mission = Phase out sales of new gasoline vehicles by 2030
| website = {{URL|https://www.coltura.org}}
| website = {{URL|https://www.coltura.org}}
}}
}}


'''Coltura''' is an [[Environmentalism|environmental activist]] and arts group based in [[Seattle]], [[Washington (state)|Washington]]. The group promotes environmental policies and produces street theater and other art aimed at phasing out America's use of gasoline. Coltura has produced several works critical of gasoline use which have been presented in cities in the United States and Canada. The organization advocates for laws to phase out the production and sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles by 2030.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://mynorthwest.com/774778/coltura-wants-no-gas-cars-after-2030/|title=Advocate wants to force out gas cars in Washington in 2030|last=Monson|first=Dori|date=2017-10-04|work=KIRO Radio 97.3 FM|access-date=2018-01-27|language=en-US}}</ref>
'''Coltura''' is an American [[Environmentalism|environmental activist]] group based in [[Seattle]], [[Washington (state)|Washington]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://inmenlo.com/2017/12/18/menlo-park-is-the-launch-site-of-the-no-gasoline-movement/|title=Menlo Park is the launch site of the No-Gasoline movement|date=2017-12-18|work=In Menlo|access-date=2020-04-06|language=en-US}}</ref> The group promotes environmental policies and produces cultural works aimed at ending the United States's use of gasoline, and advocates for policies to phase out the sales of new gasoline-powered vehicles by 2030.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://mynorthwest.com/774778/coltura-wants-no-gas-cars-after-2030/|title=Advocate wants to force out gas cars in Washington in 2030|last=Monson|first=Dori|date=2017-10-04|work=KIRO Radio 97.3 FM|access-date=2018-01-27|language=en-US}}</ref>

In 2021, Coltura coined the term "gasoline superusers," referring to consumers in the top 10% of gasoline consumption in the United States. Coltura proposed incentives for superusers to become electric vehicle users <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/06/25/emerging-ev-incentives-are-trying-to-convert-gas-guzzlers/70318388007/|title=Are you a gas guzzler? The government might try to persuade you to switch to an EV|website=USA Today}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://grist.org/transportation/peak-gasoline-superusers-electric-vehicle-incentives/|title=Gasoline use isn't falling fast enough. Targeting 'superusers' could help.|first=Kate|last=Yoder|date=May 24, 2023|website=Grist}}</ref> Coltura has supported state legislation promoting the use of electric vehicles by the biggest users of gasoline, including a Vermont bill regarding "gasoline superusers" that was passed in 2023,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2023-06-08/burlington-is-trying-electric-vehicle-incentives-targeted-at-gasoline-superusers|title=Burlington is trying electric vehicle incentives targeted at gasoline 'superusers'|date=June 8, 2023|website=Vermont Public}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://energynews.us/2023/07/27/vermont-wants-to-win-over-the-states-biggest-gas-guzzlers-with-new-ev-incentives/|title=Vermont wants to win over the state's biggest gas-guzzlers with new EV incentives|first=Lisa|last=Prevost|date=July 27, 2023|website=Energy News Network}}</ref> as well as a similar Washington state bill that was proposed in 2021.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/washington-state-passes-bill-with-goal-phase-out-gasoline-cars-2021-04-15/|title=Washington state passes bill with goal to phase out gasoline cars|website=Reuters|date=April 15, 2021}}</ref>

Coltura has also collected extensive data on gasoline use and gasoline superusers in the United States. A 2021 study by Coltura showed that gasoline superusers comprise about 10 percent of U.S. drivers who drive about 30,000 miles or more per year. These superusers consume 32 percent of all the gasoline used in the U.S.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Lightman|first1=David|last2=Reese|first2=Phillip|title=How gasoline 'superusers' can help clean up California's air|website=The Sacramento Bee|date=2023-03-30|url=https://www.sacbee.com/news/local/transportation/article273653245.html|access-date=2023-12-15}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://spectrum.ieee.org/the-ev-transition-explained-2658797630|title=The EV Transition Explained: Converting Gasoline Superusers - IEEE Spectrum|website=[[IEEE]]}}</ref>


== History ==
== History ==
=== Founding ===
Coltura was founded in 2014 by Matthew Metz, an attorney in [[Seattle]], [[Washington (state)|Washington]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.thestranger.com/theater/2016/09/27/24584871/can-performance-art-fight-climate-change|title=Can Performance Art Fight Climate Change?|last=Smith|first=Rich|date=2016-09-27|work=The Stranger|access-date=2018-01-26|language=en}}</ref> Coltura's name comes from an amalgamation of CO<sub>2</sub>, the [[chemical formula]] for carbon dioxide, and the word [[Culture|''culture'']]''.''<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/environment/he-knows-its-crazy-but-this-seattle-guy-is-pushing-a-total-ban-on-gas-cars/|title=He knows it’s crazy, but this Seattle guy is pushing a total ban on gas cars|last=Westneat|first=Danny|date=2017-09-29|work=The Seattle Times|access-date=2018-01-26|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/coltura-performance-webversion/|title=Seattle street clowns aim to provoke smiles, change hearts on gasoline use|last=Kiley|first=Brendan|date=2016-09-06|work=The Seattle Times|access-date=2018-01-26|language=en-US}}</ref> The organization was founded as a nonprofit with a mission of "eliminating gasoline in America by 2040".<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://knkx.org/post/inflatable-bubble-fills-smoke-what-happens-next-art-or-guilt-trip|title=This Inflatable Bubble Fills With Smoke. What Happens Next Is Art, Or A Guilt Trip|last=Spain|first=Monica|date=2017-05-31|work=KNKX|access-date=2018-01-26|language=en}}</ref> Coltura has staged [[street theatre]] and [[performance art]] in a tradition akin to [[commedia dell'arte]].<ref name=":1" />
Coltura was founded in 2014 by Matthew Metz, an attorney in Seattle, Washington.<ref name="Smith 2018">{{Cite news|url=https://www.thestranger.com/theater/2016/09/27/24584871/can-performance-art-fight-climate-change|title=Can Performance Art Fight Climate Change?|last=Smith|first=Rich|date=2016-09-27|work=The Stranger|access-date=2018-01-26|language=en}}</ref> The name comes from an amalgamation of CO<sub>2</sub>, the [[chemical formula]] for carbon dioxide, and the word ''[[culture]]''.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/environment/he-knows-its-crazy-but-this-seattle-guy-is-pushing-a-total-ban-on-gas-cars/|title=He knows it's crazy, but this Seattle guy is pushing a total ban on gas cars|last=Westneat|first=Danny|date=2017-09-29|work=The Seattle Times|access-date=2018-01-26|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="Kiley 2018">{{Cite news|url=https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/coltura-performance-webversion/|title=Seattle street clowns aim to provoke smiles, change hearts on gasoline use|last=Kiley|first=Brendan|date=2016-09-06|work=The Seattle Times|access-date=2018-01-26|language=en-US}}</ref> The organization was founded as a nonprofit with the mission of "Eliminating gasoline use in America by 2040".<ref name="Spain 2018">{{Cite news|url=http://knkx.org/post/inflatable-bubble-fills-smoke-what-happens-next-art-or-guilt-trip|title=This Inflatable Bubble Fills With Smoke. What Happens Next Is Art, Or A Guilt Trip|last=Spain|first=Monica|date=2017-05-31|work=KNKX|access-date=2018-01-26|language=en}}</ref> Metz serves as co-director along with Janelle London.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2017/10/04/opinion-yes-ban-sales-of-new-gas-fueled-vehicles-in-california-by-2040/|title=Opinion: Yes! Ban sales of new gas fueled vehicles in California by 2040|date=2017-10-04|work=East Bay Times|access-date=2018-11-09|language=en-US}}</ref>


=== Legislative and policy efforts ===
In September 2016, Coltura staged performances at gas stations, public events, and streets in Seattle to raise awareness about pollution-emitting gasoline vehicles. The performances were inspired by the strategies employed by the Colombian politician [[Antanas Mockus]], who as mayor of [[Bogotá]] hired [[Mime artist|mimes]] to poke fun at drivers who drove past pedestrian crosswalks.<ref name=":1" /> Coltura performed at Seattle Design Festival, where they displayed an art installation<ref name=":0" /> as well as performing at the First Thursday Art Walk and [[Bumbershoot]]. Actors billed as "gasoline ghosts", carrying gasoline hoses and nozzles and dressed in white [[Leotard|leotards]], drew attention to the air pollution and [[Greenhouse gas|greenhouse gases]] created by gasoline use. The "ghosts" showed their affection for gasoline, and comedically chased down cars to inhale their exhaust.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />
In March 2020, Coltura led a coalition to pass Zero Emissions Vehicle legislation in Washington State,<ref>{{cite web| work=Seattle Times |date=2020-03-09 |title=Automakers Required to Sell More Electric Vehicles Under New Legislation in Washington State |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/automakers-required-to-sell-more-electric-vehicles-under-new-legislation-in-washington-state/ |access-date=2020-04-04}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{cite web| work=Investigate West |date=2020-03-09 |title=Electric Cars Get a Boost in Olympia but Broader Climate-Rescue Legislation Withers |url=https://www.invw.org/2020/03/09/electric-cars-get-a-boost-in-olympia-but-broader-climate-rescue-legislation-withers/ |access-date=2020-04-04}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| work=Crosscut |date=2020-03-10 |title=WA lawmakers pave the way for electric cars but activists want more |url=https://crosscut.com/2020/03/wa-lawmakers-pave-way-electric-cars-activists-want-more |access-date=2020-04-04}}</ref> and supporting a Washington State legislation mandating that all new cars sold be electric by 2030.<ref>{{cite web| work=Seattle Times |date=2020-02-05 |title=Banning gas cars? It's a 'fringe crazy bill' no longer |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/banning-gas-cars-its-a-fringe-crazy-bill-no-longer/ |access-date=2020-04-04}}</ref> The 2030 mandate bill did not pass in 2020. Although it passed the legislature, it was vetoed by Governor [[Jay Inslee]] in 2021.<ref name=":0" /> In 2022, legislation passed and was signed into law by Governor Inslee setting a state target for phasing out the sale of new gas vehicles by 2030, but regulations have been implemented to mandate that all new cars be zero-emissions vehicles by 2035.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gilmour |first=Dori Luzzo |date=2022-10-28 |title=Washington's 2035 gas vehicle ban: Explained |url=https://www.nwpb.org/2022/10/28/washingtons-2035-gas-vehicle-ban-explained/ |access-date=2023-04-28 |website=Northwest Public Broadcasting |language=en-US}}</ref> They have also sponsored legislation in the [[California State Assembly]], working with [[Phil Ting]] of [[San Francisco]], to target EV incentives to the drivers who use the most gasoline. <ref>{{Cite web |title=NEW BILL IN CALIFORNIA: AB1267 – EV INCENTIVES FOR GASOLINE-BURDENED FAMILIES |date=11 March 2023 |url=https://www.coltura.org/california-ev-incentives-prioritizing-lower-income-gasoline-superusers/ |access-date=2023-04-28 |language=en-US}}</ref>


=== ''Recharge Required'' report ===
In October 2016, Coltura staged a procession entitled ''Funeral for Gasoline'' as part of No Gasoline Day, in which actors carried a casket containing a [[Fuel dispenser#Fuel nozzles|fuel nozzle]] from the [[Space Needle]] to [[Downtown Seattle]].<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> Coltura won the 2017 Sustainable Seattle Arts and Culture Award for their No Gasoline Day performance and “for helping change cultural norms about the use of gasoline through mobile and interactive live performance, social media, and imagery and videos challenging the cultural status quo.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://blog.seattlepi.com/boomerconsumer/2017/03/10/sustainable-seattle-names-2017-award-winners-citing-regions-advances-in-sustainability/|title=Sustainable Seattle names 2017 award winners, citing region’s advances in sustainability|last=Robison|first=Rita R.|date=2017-03-10|work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer|access-date=2018-01-27|language=en-US}}</ref>
On June 1, 2018, Coltura released a report, ''Recharge Required'', on the status of the state of Washington's agencies adherence to a 2007 law<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.heraldnet.com/opinion/editorial-local-governments-ignoring-law-on-electric-cars/|title=Local governments ignoring law on electric cars|last=Editorial Board|date=2018-06-10|work=The Daily Herald|access-date=2018-06-18|language=en-US}}</ref> requiring "vehicles in government fleets to run on electricity or biofuel... 'to the extent practicable{{'"}}.<ref name="Ryan 2018">{{Cite news|url=http://kuow.org/post/gas-guzzling-cities-state-blow-past-deadline-electric-vehicles|title=Gas-guzzling cities, state blow past deadline for electric vehicles|last=Ryan|first=John|date=2018-06-01|work=KUOW News|access-date=2018-06-18|language=en}}</ref> According to the report, in contrast to the 100% adherence set as the goal for June 1, 2015, less than 6% of vehicles in use by county and city agencies<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/environment/washington-state-ordered-agencies-to-buy-electric-cars-theyre-falling-short-report-says/|title=Washington law ordered public agencies to buy electric cars. They're falling short, report says.|last=Bernton|first=Hal|date=2018-06-03|work=The Seattle Times|access-date=2018-06-18|language=en-US}}</ref> and 2% of the state's motor pool meet this goal.<ref name="Ryan 2018" /><ref>{{cite web| work=Government Fleet |date=2019-05-07 |title=Washington State to Conduct EV Analysis for All Public Fleets |url=https://www.government-fleet.com/331352/washington-state-to-conduct-ev-analysis-for-all-public-fleets |access-date=2020-04-04}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| work=Seattle Times |date=2018-06-03 |title=Washington law ordered public agencies to buy electric cars. They're falling short, report says. |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/environment/washington-state-ordered-agencies-to-buy-electric-cars-theyre-falling-short-report-says/ |access-date=2020-04-04}}</ref>

=== Art events ===
Coltura has staged [[street theatre]] and [[performance art]].<ref name="Kiley 2018" /> In September 2016, they staged performances at gas stations, public events, and streets in Seattle to raise awareness about pollution-emitting gasoline vehicles.<ref name="Kiley 2018" /> At Seattle Design Festival, they displayed an art installation<ref name="Smith 2018" /> and performed at the First Thursday Art Walk and [[Bumbershoot]]. Actors billed as "gasoline ghosts", carrying gasoline hoses and nozzles and dressed in white [[leotard]]s, drew attention to the air pollution and [[greenhouse gas]]es created by gasoline use. The "ghosts" showed their affection for gasoline, and comedically chased down cars to inhale their exhaust.<ref name="Smith 2018" /><ref name="Kiley 2018" />

In October 2016, the organisation staged a procession entitled ''Funeral for Gasoline'' as part of No Gasoline Day, in which actors carried a casket containing a [[Fuel dispenser#Fuel nozzles|fuel nozzle]] from the [[Space Needle]] to Downtown Seattle.<ref name="Smith 2018" /><ref name="Kiley 2018" /> They won the 2017 [[Sustainable Seattle]] Arts and Culture Award for this performance and "for helping change cultural norms about the use of gasoline through mobile and interactive live performance, social media, and imagery and videos challenging the cultural status quo."<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://blog.seattlepi.com/boomerconsumer/2017/03/10/sustainable-seattle-names-2017-award-winners-citing-regions-advances-in-sustainability/|title=Sustainable Seattle names 2017 award winners, citing region's advances in sustainability|last=Robison|first=Rita R.|date=2017-03-10|work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer|access-date=2018-01-27|language=en-US}}</ref>

In June 2017, the group exhibited ''The Gas Trap'', a 25-foot high clear vinyl bubble connected to the tailpipe of a gasoline-powered car, accompanied by a theatrical piece. The work was a collaboration between Metz, Samaj, the Seattle Design Nerds, Alyssa Norling and Grace Orr.<ref name="McKenzie-Sutter 2018">{{Cite news|url=https://www.straight.com/arts/956861/gas-trap-takes-dramatic-look-consequences-gasoline-use|title=The Gas Trap takes a dramatic look at the consequences of gasoline use|last=McKenzie-Sutter|first=Holly|date=2017-08-29|work=Georgia Straight|access-date=2018-01-27|location=Vancouver, British Columbia|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.cityartsmagazine.com/waiting-inhale/|title=Waiting to Inhale|date=2017-06-26|work=City Arts Magazine|access-date=2018-01-27|language=en-US}}</ref> During the performance staged in [[Westlake Park (Seattle)|Westlake Park]] in Seattle, the performers appeared to be trapped inside and gasping for breath as artificial smoke filled the bubble.<ref name="Spain 2018" /> The performance was staged again on September 10 at the Roundhouse Community Centre|Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre in [[Vancouver]], British Columbia.<ref name="McKenzie-Sutter 2018" /><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.vancourier.com/gas-trap-bursting-the-carbon-bubble-1.22521662|title=Gas Trap: Bursting the carbon bubble|last=Zeschky|first=Jan|date=2017-09-07|work=Vancouver Courier|access-date=2018-01-27}}</ref>

They held a mural contest in 2017 and collaborated with the artist Craig Cundiff to produce a large mural in the industrial [[Georgetown, Seattle|Georgetown]] district of Seattle. It depicts a boy wearing a mask over his mouth and nose, with a view of the city's congested highways, hazy sky and setting orange sun in the background.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://seattlemag.com/arts-and-culture/new-georgetown-protest-mural-takes-climate-change-south-seattle-air-pollution|title=New Georgetown Protest Mural Takes on Climate Change, South Seattle Air Pollution|last=Rietmulder|first=Michael|date=2017-11-17|work=Seattle Magazine|access-date=2018-01-27|language=en}}</ref>

Their gas ghosts and gasoline video have received widespread publicity.<ref>{{cite web |work=KRON San Francisco (TV) |date=2018-09-13 |title=Gas Ghosts at Global Climate Action Summit |url=https://drive.google.com/file/d/1h8BHl0TAf-p-cpymIFbxsQjwSY0-7SwS/view |access-date=2020-04-04}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| work=Univision San Francisco (TV) |date=2018-09-13 |title=Gas Ghosts at Global Climate Action Summit |url=https://mobilemoviemaking.com/music-video-calls-for-a-gasoline-free-world/ |access-date=2020-04-04}}</ref>

In 2018, Coltura produced a video calling for the world to abandon fossil fuels in favor of electric vehicles, with a cameo of Energy Secretary [[Jennifer Granholm]] singing.<ref>{{cite web|last=Keene|first=Houston|title=Biden Energy Secretary Granholm appeared in 2018 video singing about end of gasoline, fossil fuels|publisher=Fox Business|date=2021-11-16|url=https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/biden-granholm-video-end-gasoline-fossil-fuels|access-date=2023-12-18}}</ref>


== References ==
== References ==
Line 24: Line 46:
== External links ==
== External links ==
* {{Official website|https://www.coltura.org/}}
* {{Official website|https://www.coltura.org/}}

[[Category:Non-profit organizations based in Seattle]]
[[Category:Non-profit organizations based in Seattle]]
[[Category:Arts organizations based in Washington (state)]]
[[Category:Arts organizations based in Washington (state)]]

Latest revision as of 03:19, 31 July 2024

Coltura
Founded2014; 10 years ago (2014)
FounderMatthew Metz
TypeNonprofit
Location
Key people
Matthew Metz (Co-director)
Janelle London (Co-director)
Websitewww.coltura.org

Coltura is an American environmental activist group based in Seattle, Washington.[1] The group promotes environmental policies and produces cultural works aimed at ending the United States's use of gasoline, and advocates for policies to phase out the sales of new gasoline-powered vehicles by 2030.[2]

In 2021, Coltura coined the term "gasoline superusers," referring to consumers in the top 10% of gasoline consumption in the United States. Coltura proposed incentives for superusers to become electric vehicle users [3][4] Coltura has supported state legislation promoting the use of electric vehicles by the biggest users of gasoline, including a Vermont bill regarding "gasoline superusers" that was passed in 2023,[5][6] as well as a similar Washington state bill that was proposed in 2021.[7]

Coltura has also collected extensive data on gasoline use and gasoline superusers in the United States. A 2021 study by Coltura showed that gasoline superusers comprise about 10 percent of U.S. drivers who drive about 30,000 miles or more per year. These superusers consume 32 percent of all the gasoline used in the U.S.[8][9]

History

[edit]

Founding

[edit]

Coltura was founded in 2014 by Matthew Metz, an attorney in Seattle, Washington.[10] The name comes from an amalgamation of CO2, the chemical formula for carbon dioxide, and the word culture.[11][12] The organization was founded as a nonprofit with the mission of "Eliminating gasoline use in America by 2040".[13] Metz serves as co-director along with Janelle London.[14]

Legislative and policy efforts

[edit]

In March 2020, Coltura led a coalition to pass Zero Emissions Vehicle legislation in Washington State,[15][16][17] and supporting a Washington State legislation mandating that all new cars sold be electric by 2030.[18] The 2030 mandate bill did not pass in 2020. Although it passed the legislature, it was vetoed by Governor Jay Inslee in 2021.[16] In 2022, legislation passed and was signed into law by Governor Inslee setting a state target for phasing out the sale of new gas vehicles by 2030, but regulations have been implemented to mandate that all new cars be zero-emissions vehicles by 2035.[19] They have also sponsored legislation in the California State Assembly, working with Phil Ting of San Francisco, to target EV incentives to the drivers who use the most gasoline. [20]

Recharge Required report

[edit]

On June 1, 2018, Coltura released a report, Recharge Required, on the status of the state of Washington's agencies adherence to a 2007 law[21] requiring "vehicles in government fleets to run on electricity or biofuel... 'to the extent practicable'".[22] According to the report, in contrast to the 100% adherence set as the goal for June 1, 2015, less than 6% of vehicles in use by county and city agencies[23] and 2% of the state's motor pool meet this goal.[22][24][25]

Art events

[edit]

Coltura has staged street theatre and performance art.[12] In September 2016, they staged performances at gas stations, public events, and streets in Seattle to raise awareness about pollution-emitting gasoline vehicles.[12] At Seattle Design Festival, they displayed an art installation[10] and performed at the First Thursday Art Walk and Bumbershoot. Actors billed as "gasoline ghosts", carrying gasoline hoses and nozzles and dressed in white leotards, drew attention to the air pollution and greenhouse gases created by gasoline use. The "ghosts" showed their affection for gasoline, and comedically chased down cars to inhale their exhaust.[10][12]

In October 2016, the organisation staged a procession entitled Funeral for Gasoline as part of No Gasoline Day, in which actors carried a casket containing a fuel nozzle from the Space Needle to Downtown Seattle.[10][12] They won the 2017 Sustainable Seattle Arts and Culture Award for this performance and "for helping change cultural norms about the use of gasoline through mobile and interactive live performance, social media, and imagery and videos challenging the cultural status quo."[26]

In June 2017, the group exhibited The Gas Trap, a 25-foot high clear vinyl bubble connected to the tailpipe of a gasoline-powered car, accompanied by a theatrical piece. The work was a collaboration between Metz, Samaj, the Seattle Design Nerds, Alyssa Norling and Grace Orr.[27][28] During the performance staged in Westlake Park in Seattle, the performers appeared to be trapped inside and gasping for breath as artificial smoke filled the bubble.[13] The performance was staged again on September 10 at the Roundhouse Community Centre|Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre in Vancouver, British Columbia.[27][29]

They held a mural contest in 2017 and collaborated with the artist Craig Cundiff to produce a large mural in the industrial Georgetown district of Seattle. It depicts a boy wearing a mask over his mouth and nose, with a view of the city's congested highways, hazy sky and setting orange sun in the background.[30]

Their gas ghosts and gasoline video have received widespread publicity.[31][32]

In 2018, Coltura produced a video calling for the world to abandon fossil fuels in favor of electric vehicles, with a cameo of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm singing.[33]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Menlo Park is the launch site of the No-Gasoline movement". In Menlo. 2017-12-18. Retrieved 2020-04-06.
  2. ^ Monson, Dori (2017-10-04). "Advocate wants to force out gas cars in Washington in 2030". KIRO Radio 97.3 FM. Retrieved 2018-01-27.
  3. ^ "Are you a gas guzzler? The government might try to persuade you to switch to an EV". USA Today.
  4. ^ Yoder, Kate (May 24, 2023). "Gasoline use isn't falling fast enough. Targeting 'superusers' could help". Grist.
  5. ^ "Burlington is trying electric vehicle incentives targeted at gasoline 'superusers'". Vermont Public. June 8, 2023.
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