The University of Aruba is proud to announce the launch of JUST ART, a six‑year, Kingdom‑wide research initiative funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO) and led by Professor Ann-Sophie Lehman at the University of Groningen. The project brings together artists, researchers, campaigners, and communities across Aruba, Curaçao, St. Maarten, the BES islands, and the European Netherlands to explore how artistic practices can advance climate justice ensuring that the people who are most affected by climate change are treated fairly, have a strong voice in decisions, and receive the support they need to stay safe and thrive.
Dr. Salys Sultan from the University of Aruba emphasized that climate change is not only a scientific or policy challenge but a deeply human one. “Data alone doesn’t move people,” she noted. “Art can open emotional and imaginative spaces for communities to see themselves in the transition and to act.”
JUST ART focuses on how artistic research from visual arts to performance, storytelling, and community‑based design can help how communities handle the challenges of moving towards fair, sustainable change. Aruba’s contribution will center on local knowledge, cultural heritage, and community‑driven approaches to climate resilience.
The project launched in January 2026 and will unfold through multiple themes and research topics including one that is co-coordinated in Aruba. Activities will include artistic residencies, public workshops, community dialogues, and collaborative research with local partners. This will be facilitated by a PhD researcher from the University of Aruba and community members.
The University looks forward to working with artists, educators, policymakers, and community organizations to ensure that Aruba’s voice and experience shape the broader Kingdom conversation on climate justice.
For more information, visit www.justart.info & if you have any questions or want to know more about the project you can contact Salys at [email protected].
