Photo Essay: Interpreting Sustainability through Art

University Relations - Communications

May 13, 2014

How do we define and communicate the concept of sustainability?

Organizers of the Arizona Higher Education Sustainability Conference, held at the University of Arizona in April, posed that question to students and employees from colleges and universities throughout Arizona, who responded in the form of artistic works.

Coinciding with the conference was an art show at the Student Union Memorial Center Gallery featuring 45 pieces, including paintings, photography, performance art and mixed media. Each contributor sought to define and illustrate sustainability, answering through perspectives trained on issues not only related to the environment, but also social justice and economics.

"Having the art show enhanced the conference and gave it a positive aspect," said David Bradshaw, program coordinator for the UA Office of Sustainability. "It was important in making the conference theme better received and also to get people thinking outside of the box."

Read more about the conference in "Sustainability Advocates From Across Arizona to Convene at the UA" at UANews.org.

Photography credit: Beatriz Verdugo/UANews