“Drift: Journeys Across Water and Time.” Sustainability in the Arts 2026

Drift: Journeys Across Water and Time. Sustainability in the Arts 2026 is a multi-disciplinary initiative which provides a platform for staff and students to collaborate with international partner universities and the wider community in raising awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The theme explores sustainability and water in all its cultural, environmental, and creative dimensions. Submissions from local attendees and all participants can take the form of creative works, performances, research projects, or collaborative initiatives. Possible areas of focus include the following; however, this is not exhaustive:

• Ecological wellbeing of waterways and their role in sustaining biodiversity and human life.
• Folklore, myth, and heritage preserved and reimagined through rivers, lakes, and seas.
• Journeys that connect people and places across water.
• Rising seas, flooding, drought, and creative responses to climate challenges.
• Canals, reservoirs, and infrastructures that shape sustainable city living.
• Exploring hydro, tidal, and other water-based renewable power.
• Soundscapes of Water: Music, performance, and sonic art inspired by aquatic rhythms and environments.
• Wellbeing and Water: The role of rivers, seas, and lakes in human health, creativity, and renewal.

General learning outcomes

• Develop an interdisciplinary understanding of sustainability through creative practice.
• Critically explore the environmental, cultural, and social significance of water.
• Demonstrate awareness of key Sustainable Development Goals related to water and climate action.
• Collaborate effectively across disciplines and with community partners.
• Communicate sustainability concepts through artistic and creative expression.
• Reflect on the role of the arts in promoting environmental awareness and behavioural change.