In May, twenty-nine students from the nine partner universities of the EUGLOH Alliance gathered in Szeged to take part in the Green Future Festival, organized by the University of Szeged in collaboration with EUGLOH and linked to the University’s Design and Art Management Master’s Program. This year’s festival focused on sustainability and material culture.
The four-day Green Future Festival, held at Szeged’s iconic ‘underground’ venue, Grand Café, entertained, inspired, educated, and brought people together – true to the vision of the organizers.
The aim of the festival was clear: to show students that the impact of projects and teamwork reaches far beyond the classroom, and that social responsibility is not a vague ideal, but something that can be integrated into everyday life. The diverse program featured highlights such as building insect hotels; a workshop on the Japanese furoshiki wrapping technique; a city walk offering insights into the city’s architectural heritage; as well as exhibitions, art installations, and community engagement activities. All these experiences demonstrated how art can serve as a means of promoting environmentally conscious thinking.
In keeping with the educational philosophy underpinning the Design and Art Management program, the festival brought attention to the fact that true learning takes place in actual urban spaces, within communities, and in the fabric of society. Building on this approach, SZTE and EUGLOH staff played an active role in guiding participants as they explored the possibilities of cultural mediation and social design through real-life experiences, all aimed at fostering livable, value-driven urban communities where sustainability is not an option, but a fundamental principle.
The representatives of EUGLOH expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the organization of the Green Future Festival and to further strengthen the Alliance’s commitment to sustainability through the Campus Life initiative. As the EUGLOH organizers put it: “We truly believe this event had a real impact – helping pave the way toward a more sustainable and thoughtful future.”
Source: SZTEinfo
Photos: István Sahin-Tóth, Ádám Kovács-Jerney, Anna Bobkó
