Art and the Environment: Creative Approaches to Sustainability

Nabirye Amina Okwir

Faculty of Business and Management Kampala International University Uganda

ABSTRACT

This paper examines the dynamic intersection of art and environmental sustainability, highlighting the power of creative practices to influence public discourse, foster community engagement, and inspire policy change in response to ecological crises. Drawing on insights from the seminar “Art and Sustainability: Creative Approaches to Sustainability”, held in Plovdiv as part of the European Capital of Culture 2020 initiative, the discussion emphasizes how artists utilize diverse media and participatory approaches to address issues such as climate change, resource consumption, and ecological degradation. Historical perspectives on environmental art reveal a transition from aesthetic contemplation to active ecological engagement. Contemporary eco-art practices integrate organic materials, digital technologies, and community-centered installations, bridging the gap between science and public awareness. Through case studies of influential eco-art projects and installations, this paper demonstrates the potential of art to not only reflect environmental issues but to catalyze systemic transformation by invoking empathy, urgency, and collaboration. Ultimately, the research underscores the necessity for interdisciplinary efforts in crafting sustainable futures, where art is both a mirror of societal challenges and a tool for environmental advocacy.

Keywords: Environmental Art, Sustainability, Eco-Art, Climate Change, Community Engagement, Participatory Art, Digital Environmental Art.

CITE AS: Nabirye Amina Okwir (2025). Art and the Environment: Creative Approaches to Sustainability. RESEARCH INVENTION JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN EDUCATION 5(2):1-9.  https://doi.org/10.59298/RIJRE/2025/521900