In the face of the unprecedented socio-environmental challenges of the Anthropocene, characterized by the interconnected crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, inequality, and more, the traditional approaches to culture management must evolve. Beginning with an analysis of the current state of polycrisis – including ecological boundaries breached and social inequalities exacerbated – this paper emphasizes the systemic nature of these challenges and argues for a redefinition of culture management that integrates both cultural and natural systems. It critiques the conventional understanding of culture management as limited to the administration of cultural institutions, advocating instead for a broader perspective that acknowledges culture’s integral role in shaping human-environment interactions. Drawing upon a variety of interpretations of culture, ranging from its broad anthropological functional conception as humanity’s adaptive mechanism to specific manifestations such as national, ethnic, religious, or organizational cultures, alongside sector-specific perspectives focusing on both cultural institutions and grassroots initiatives, as well as individual involvement in cultural practices, this paper argues for a paradigmatic shift towards nature-culture management. The purpose of this is to align human – and therefore cultural – activities with the environment on a global and local scale. An illustrative modelling exercise showcases the shift from traditional cultural management within a stable world towards a more conscientious and impactful approach that responds to the demands of the polycrisis, drawing upon the principles of Kate Raworth’s doughnut economics. The proposed “bucket wheel” model of culture management, which focuses on the value mining for sustainable well-being, highlights the circulation of values that promote positive social and environmental outcomes. This paper concludes by highlighting the pressing need to embrace this paradigm shift in culture management to effectively address the challenges of the Anthropocene. This finding underscores the necessity for cultural interventions that transcend existing paradigms, emphasizing the potential of culture management to drive socio-environmental change and contribute towards a sustainable future for people and the planet.