Dublin, 15 June 2022 International Renewable Independent Power Producer Alternus Energy has unveiled the Alternus Sustainable Arts Initiative. Established in 2022, the Initiative is a tangible application of the company’s sustainability policy and encourages emerging artists to consider and communicate sustainability through art. It fosters sustainability in the arts by supporting artists and providing them with a platform to share their work with an international audience.
Under the initial programme, artists were tasked with creating art with recycled or repurposed materials in a competition, with winning artists receiving a financial reward. All artwork submitted is displayed on the Initiative’s website and is on display in Alternus Energy’s office and select partner offices around the world.
The Initiative entered a three-year partnership with the National College of Art & Design (NCAD) based in Dublin, Ireland. The first year of this partnership was coordinated by NCAD’s Bureau+, a research-driven design studio. Third year students were challenged to create a piece of art around the theme of UN Sustainable Development Goal 11: sustainable cities and communities, using a defunct solar panel as a canvas.
The winners are Brendan Atkins (Tipperary), Claire Moran (Dublin), and Laura Kleis (Trier, Germany) with an ‘out of the box’ award going to Oonagh O’Brien (Wicklow) and a special mention for Erin Flood (Carlow). All winners received a prize fund of €3,000 (equivalent to a full NCAD scholarship) with the special mention category receiving a prize fund of €1,000.
Speaking about the Initiative, Vincent Browne, CEO, Alternus Energy said:
“We are delighted to see the Initiative launch so successfully – the partnership with NCAD opened the competition to 22 students. The judging panel was highly impressed with the artwork and professional approach of all participants. We are very proud to support the next generation of young artists and hope that through this process, they have gained knowledge and experience that will allow them to pursue their passion and establish a sustainable career. We look forward to continued engagement with NCAD.”
Derek Mc Garry, Head of the Department of Innovation & Engagement, NCAD added:
“We were pleasantly surprised by Alternus’ level of engagement – their passion was clear from the outset and their commitment was evident throughout. Their direct engagement with students was extremely beneficial for their personal development and exposure to the commercial side of a creative project. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive and NCAD is very excited to see where this collaboration takes us next year.”
All artworks can be viewed on the website here www.alternussustainablearts.com.
About Alternus Sustainable Arts Initiative
Established in 2022, the Alternus Sustainable Arts Initiative fosters sustainability in the arts by supporting artists and providing them with a platform to share their work. Artists are tasked with creating art with recycled or repurposed materials. The Initiative was founded as a tangible application of Alternus Energy’s sustainability policy.
About Alternus Energy
Alternus Energy Group Plc is an international vertically integrated independent power producer (IPP). Headquartered in Ireland, and listed on the Euronext Growth Oslo, the Company develops, installs, owns, and operates midsized utility scale solar parks. The Company also has offices in Rotterdam and America. Alternus Energy aims to own and operate over 3.5 gigawatts of solar parks by the end of 2025.
About National College of Art & Design (NCAD)
Ireland’s leading art college, the National College of Art & Design offers a diverse range of art and design degrees at undergraduate and post graduate level. The college currently has 1,300 full time students across its four schools: design, education, fine art, and visual culture.
