Ulster University-led initiative showcases creative visions for tomorrow at W5 Belfast
A new, digital exhibition, launched at W5 Belfast, is placing young people at the heart of conversations about sustainability and innovation. The Imaginarium, developed by Ulster University’s Future Island-Island project, in collaboration with the Education Authority, The B!G Idea and Big Motive, showcases imaginative responses to global challenges from young people living in remote mountain, rural and coastal communities across Northern Ireland.
The six-month exhibition is the culmination of a youth engagement programme within the Future Island-Island initiative, funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council and supported by the Design Museum’s Future Observatory. It features immersive installations, multimedia storytelling and interactive design pieces, all shaped by the ideas of young participants and brought to life by professional designers.
Drawing on design thinking workshops, the exhibition highlights how young people can be empowered as change agents, offering hopeful and practical visions for a more sustainable future. Visitors are invited to explore these ideas, engage with the stories behind them, and reflect on the role of creativity in driving transformation.
Dr Nina Liebhaber, Imaginarium Coordinator, Future Island-Island and Research Associate, Ulster University said: “Dreaming is one of the most important practices for nourishing hope and creating pathways towards a good future. The Imaginarium, part of Future Island-Island’s youth education and engagement strand, celebrates hopeful, wild and bold dreams from young people in remote areas. By showcasing their stories, prototypes and ideas, it creates an inspiring, imaginative space where visitors of all ages can explore sustainability and contribute their own visions for a better tomorrow.”
Deirdre Bradley, Senior Youth Officer, Causeway Coast & Glens Area, Education Authority added:“The Causeway Coast and Glens EA Youth Service was pleased to support the Future Island-Island programme, which empowered youth workers and young people across the Causeway Coast & Glens and Rathlin Island. Through creative design thinking and meaningful youth engagement, the initiative amplified young voices in decision making, fostered environmental awareness and collaborative learning, and helped develop essential skills to create a more inclusive future.
Kim Mackenzie-Doyle, CEO, The B!G Idea, shared:“Over the past year, The B!G Idea has been thrilled to bring our award-winning creative thinking programme to young people and their youth leaders across the Causeway Coast and Glens. Together, they’ve harnessed their creativity to tackle real-world challenges around climate change and sustainability, developing bold, innovative solutions that inspire hope for the future. We’re delighted to see their incredible ideas come to life and celebrated through the Imaginarium!”
Sarah Pannasch, Lead Designer, Big Motive:At Big Motive we’re interested in bringing our design expertise into education for the green transition. Collaborating with Future Island-Island and exhibition partners, we co-designed workshops and tools that empowered young people to imagine sustainable futures. For us, the Imaginarium is creating a stage for young people at W5, where they can share their voices and inspire others to reflect, reimagine, and act.
Professor Ian Montgomery, Dean of Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility, Ulster University, said: “The Imaginarium Exhibition is a celebration of visionary design and sustainable thinking, an invitation to imagine what’s possible when creativity meets responsibility. As Dean of Sustainability and CSR, I’m especially proud of the key role young people play in this journey. Their ideas, energy, and commitment to a greener future are not only inspiring, they are essential to building resilient, inclusive communities across our island.”
