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PolskiPlastic Justice project
This collaborative project is a result of a pan-European partnership among five art and design academies located Netherlands, Iceland, Spain, Lithuania, and the UK. More specifically, these organizations are the following: Royal Academy of Art, Iceland University of the Arts, Elisava, Vilnius Academy of Art, and Central Saint Martins (UAL). These organizations offer a wide range of art-related programs in the fields of fine arts, design, music, theatre, and visual communication, aiming to foster artistic abilities, cultural understanding, and critical thinking of their stakeholders.
01.09.2020 – 31.08.2022
Europe
Description of the Green Initiative
- Young people interested in the microplastic issue
- University students
- Academic community
The project aimed to:
- develop educational practices and enhance the already existing ones by designing a teaching guide
- bring together academic peers, experts, climate activists, and policymakers and create a collaborative learning network
- influence the policy regarding microplastics.
Plastic Justice consists of a pan-European collaboration of five art and design academies across Europe with the participation of NGOs, activists and scientists. The project included a conference, an exhibition as well as learning and training activities. The project focuses on the long-term impact of invisible microplastics on the human body.
The project aimed to develop broad research and provide well-documented information on the topic of microplastic’s impact on the human body. Under the framework of the project, 3 results were developed:
- Plastic Justice Case Files: Online repository of information about microplastics and health
- Plastic Justice Advocacy: Teachers’ guide with tools and methodology to include microplastic issues in the arts and graphic design curricula
- Plastic Justice Verdict: Policy brief based on the project results
The results and the findings were presented not only to the target groups but also to change-making policymakers expanding its impact on the policies regarding microplastics.
The project offered innovative elements to the stakeholders. Firstly, it offers a scientific hub with information on the topic, accessible to everyone. Another significant innovative element is that the results incorporate the issue of microplastics into the art and graphic design curricula, providing an innovative approach to creative education aiming to address the issue effectively. Finally, the project creates opportunities for influencing policymaking as the results are shared with relevant environmental and governmental bodies at the local, regional, national, and European levels.
The project results are developed in such a way allowing the stakeholders to utilize them at different times and places. In particular, the developed material is accessible online, allowing every stakeholder to utilize it according to their needs. In addition, an organization could leverage the recommendations provided by the policy brief and influence the decision-making to various levels. Finally, the tools and methodology suggested could be adapted and customized to the specific needs of the audience and the users.
The project is recognized as a Good Practice by the European Commission.