Running from 2-5 April 2025, the Reach'25 festival aims to showcase how art can serve as a powerful tool to engage the public on meaningful conversations about our planet’s future. 

Now in its second year, the festival promises a vibrant mix of events that will engage a wide range of audiences, from workshops and exhibitions, to performances and talks. The majority of events are free and open to the public. 

Professor Sir Ian Greer, President and Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s explains:  

“The aim of the Reach’25 festival is to explore some of the key climate issues of our time through art mediums, including film, music, painting, and design. As detailed in Queen’s Strategy 2030, we are committed to incorporating the UN Sustainable Development Goals into all of our efforts, and this festival is one of the ways we are promoting a culture of sustainability. 

“The communication of issues such as the climate emergency can be complex, overwhelming, and difficult to comprehend for many members of society, and art can help reach new audiences, connect science with emotion and action, and bring people together in ways that develop shared knowledge and understanding, while also encouraging a sense of hope.” 

The festival features an inspiring and diverse 4-day programme of events designed to foster positivity, collaboration, and a deeper understanding of critical climate issues.  

Among the highlights are: 

• Little Gardeners- A fun, hands-on gardening workshop for children, including activities like seedball making, a meadow bioblitz, and a treasure hunt, hosted by Friends of the Field. 

• Art as Medicine: The Power of Social Prescribing- A panel discussion featuring academics and medical professionals who will explore how creative expression can support mental and physical well-being. Social prescribing is a growing practice that connects individuals with art, music, and community activities to reduce stress, improve mood, and foster a sense of connection. 

• Focus on Lough Neagh: Environmental Challenges and Solution-Artists' Response- A photo exhibition, an immersive audiovisual piece, and a panel discussion, will address the ecological challenges surrounding Lough Neagh. Experts and artists will explore how visual art, music, performance, and storytelling can raise awareness, inspire action, and connect communities. Together, they aim to inspire positive change for the future of Lough Neagh and highlight creative responses to environmental issues. 

To kick off the festival week, on Monday 31 March 25 school children from Victoria College Preparatory School took part in an artistic workshop with Ingrid Hess, US artist and Associate Professor of Graphic Design at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, creating posters that expressed their feelings about the ecological controversy at Lough Neagh. 

Sarah Herriot, P6 Teacher, Victoria College Preparatory School said: 

"This workshop gave the children the opportunity to learn more about the ecological challenges happening at Lough Neagh. It was a fantastic opportunity for them to engage with renowned artist Ingrid Hess who helped guide them through the creative process, allowing them to connect with a real-world environmental challenge, and express their thoughts and emotions about it through art.” 

To find out more about the festival and book tickets please visit the Reach webpage. 

Media

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