OCASA's Summer of Sustainability - Looking ahead.

OCASA’s Summer of Sustainability 2026.

For the last three years OCA's Joanne Mulvihill-Allen and Graphic Design PT Dr Emma Powell have organised a series of tutor-led sessions and activities as part of OCASA’s Summer of Sustainability. Visit the Arts, Environment and Sustainability hub on OCA Learn to find out more.

But in 2026 we are planning something a bit different. Joanne and Emma will host an online 'round table' sustainability/environment discussion. Taking part will be OCA tutors – Catherine Byrne, Liz Cashdan, Rab Ferguson, Andrea Norrington, Jenny Udale and Katrina Whitehead. It will take place during the Student Voice Festival (6 - 17 July 2026 - Save the Date!).

More information will be posted throughout the next few months starting with a pre-recorded ‘Pecha-Kucha’ style slide presentation by each tutor.

Gillian Alborough - Tataki Zome Digital Tile

In the meantime here’s a reminder about what happened in OCASA’s Summer Of Sustainability 2025.

Here are the links to watch the resources and undertake the activities:

Catherine Byrne’s session focused on the Circular Economy. Full instructions to carry out the activity are on Catherine’s Circular Economy Padlet. Watch the recording here.

Liz Cashdan’s session focused on creative writing in relation to “interacting with nature (or other) to describe or make nature safe.” Further instructions to carry out the activity are on Liz’s Creative Writing Padlet. Watch the recording here.

Rab Ferguson’s creative writing session focused on Creating Climate Fiction for Children and Young Adults. Further instructions to carry out the activity are on Rab’s Climate Fiction Padlet. Watch the recording here.

Andrea Norrington’s session focused on making a Crown Book. Full instructions to carry out the activity are on Andrea’s Bookmaking Padlet. You will also find instructions from previous bookmaking activities so there is plenty to browse through. Watch the recording here.

Jenny Udale’s session explored Tataki zome, a Japanese art form using a hammer, flowers and leaves. Further instructions to carry out the activity are on Jenny’s Tataki Zome Padlet. There are plenty of student examples on the Padlet and they all look fantastic. Watch the recording here.

Katrina Whitehead’s session explored making a terrarium – a mini eco-system where plants grow in a glass vessel. Full instructions to carry out the activity are on Katrina’s Terrarium Padlet. Watch the recording here.

Featured Image: Gillian Alborough