The fourth SETU Sustainability in the Arts Festival took place at South East Technological University, with the theme “Drift: Journeys Across Water and Time.”
The festival engaged with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through creative practice, placing sustainability at the heart of academic and artistic life.
This brought together creative talent from across SETU’s all campuses, showcasing a wide range of student-led work including exhibitions, performances, workshops, culinary experiences, research posters, and more.
Sustainability in practice
Students and staff from international partners including EU-CONEXUS, the University of Zadar, and Georgia Southern University - Wexford Ireland European Campus joined SETU in delivering a wide-ranging programme of events.
Highlights included a sustainable cooking demo, sustainability stands, and a range of exhibitions exploring environmental challenges through creative and research-led approaches. The Launch of the SETU Sustainability Strategy also underlined the university’s commitment to embedding sustainability across teaching, research, and campus life.
Performance showcase
A range of events included live music, debate, open mic sessions, artist talks, a festival concert, and dioramas display. The festival concert, led by Nóra Kavanagh and featuring the SETU Irish Traditional Music Orchestra, showcased student and staff work across music, film, and research. Students from Our Lady of Mercy Secondary School were recognised for their music entries.
In addition, 'The Myth of Sionann' combined folklore, performance, and environmental awareness, highlighting nature and water heritage.
Community collaboration
This festival involved wider community participation, including local secondary school students from Bridgetown College and Mercer University. They designed sustainable 3D models, while poster presentations showcased student research and sustainability ideas across the university.
A collaboration with the Waterford Gallery of Art (WGOA) featured works by Maura Culbert alongside photography from 'The Sea Around Us', exploring water and place through the theme 'Drift'. This theme continued at the Kilkenny Road Campus through an exhibition featuring student-created artworks inspired by water, nature, and culture.
Funded by SATLE, this festival has grown significantly since its launch in 2023, evolving from a one-day pilot event into a multi-campus, award-recognised celebration of sustainability, creativity, and collaboration across the university.