On 9 July, I had the opportunity to attend the first in-person Working Group meeting of the newly established Arts & Ecology Community Hub, at Willem de Kooning Academy (WdKA) in Rotterdam. With a strong interest in both the arts and education for sustainability, I joined with an open heart and mind, curious to learn about the current practices of ELIA's member institutions and engage in conversations about the group’s future plans and actions for the community. 

 

During the check-in round, I was struck by the diversity of voices in the group. Researchers, students, educators, and professors from Hungary, Finland, Serbia, the Netherlands, and more, shared how their art schools are embedding sustainability and ecological practices into both their curricula and institutional management. 

 

After the check-in, the Working Group members discussed where their interests align for the group’s future. I was inspired by their idea to create a community space where ELIA members can share challenges and best practices on building bonds with local communities, integrating eco-values, and incorporating indigenous practices into curricula. 

 

Following the Group discussion, two students from different faculties within WdKA presented their graduation projects. One student brought forward indigenous knowledge from their home country, Romania, working with mycelium to create sustainable installations and crafts. The other student focused on giving voice to non-human entities such as birds to influence forest management policies in the Netherlands and challenge decision-makers to think beyond the conventional boundaries of capitalism. Their projects formed an unexpected bridge to earlier discussions, proving that eco-values and the preservation of indigenous knowledge and practices resonate deeply with students. 

 

A highlight for me was visiting the Living Stations at WdKA. These are innovative lab spaces where students, among other things, have the opportunity to grow living organisms like mushrooms and experiment with bio-based, climate-friendly materials for their artistic projects. This hands-on approach not only equips them with practical skills and knowledge but also fosters an eco-conscious mindset, encouraging them to care for nature. 

 

One of the most inspiring moments of the day came over lunch on the rooftop of WdKA. While the view of Rotterdam’s canals was certainly stunning, what truly captured my attention was the story behind the green rooftop itself. I learned that this green space was the vision of a group of passionate students. With the support of Academy staff and management, they set out to transform a grey, concrete rooftop into a green oasis, a communal space where students and staff could gather, relax, and host workshops focused on eco-responsibility and sustainability. Through their initiative and persistence, and with the Academy’s backing, their vision became reality. Today, the rooftop stands as a symbol of student-led sustainability, showing that when students are truly heard, and when universities operate as a united community rather than as separate roles or hierarchies, meaningful and inspiring initiatives can emerge and take root. 

 

This was a day I’ll truly remember. I had the chance to connect with like-minded people, hear inspiring stories, and learn about practices in a field that deeply resonates with me.