Case Study: Research Policy Interface Thematic Group

Reach Festival: Harnessing the Arts for Climate Action and Sustainability at Queen’s University Belfast

Academics and Institutional Affiliation:

Queen’s University Belfast: Sustainability Team, The Naughton Gallery, Queen's Film Theatre, Seamus Heaney Centre, MediaLab, The Sonic Laboratory

Evidence of policy outcome referencing the role of the research:

• Yes, by the extension of the ban from a local level to a national level

Background:

In response to the growing urgency of the climate emergency and the need for accessible and engaging communication, Queen’s University Belfast launched Reach’24, its first Arts and Sustainability Festival, held in April of 2025. The festival aimed to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and public understanding by harnessing the emotive and connective power of the arts.

Organised through collaboration across academic, creative, and civic partners, Reach’25 explored the intersection of sustainability and creativity through an expansive programme featuring over 20 events. These included workshops, film screenings, exhibitions, virtual reality experiences, panel discussions, and interactive talks tailored for all ages and audiences.

The festival’s signature symposium, Arts Power, focused on the role of arts, culture, and design in inspiring environmental engagement and action, showcasing successful projects from across Ireland and internationally.

Impacts, outcomes and key learnings:

• Public Engagement: The festival attracted diverse audiences—from schoolchildren and families to academics and policy professionals—making complex climate issues relatable and emotionally resonant.

• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The event highlighted successful cross-sector partnerships, such as Ingrid Hess’s plastic art installation in collaboration with Bryson Recycling, and educational programming involving Belfast schoolchildren.

• Empowering Local Voices: Projects like Gawain Morrison’s Ogham Grove and the Focus on Lough Neagh exhibition spotlighted community-driven responses to ecological challenges.

• Education and Wellbeing: Events like Art as Medicine emphasized the role of social prescribing and creativity in promoting individual and collective resilience amid environmental stressors.

Project webpage:

https://www.qub.ac.uk/about/sustainability/Reach25/

SDGs impacted:

SDG 4.7, SDG 11.4, SDG 12.8 & SDG 13.3