Grade 8 students in Visual Arts have been working on a special collaboration between our school and the Institut für Angewandte Gewerbeforschung (IAGF). The project aims to advance circularity in the agro-food, textile, and wood/furniture sectors by designing resource-efficient business ecosystems.
Heidi Bichler-Ripfel, who specializes in the textile and fabric arts side of the project, came into the classroom to work directly with our students. She started with an interactive presentation and slide show and by talking about the possibility of recycling fabrics. The visitor, who works in connecting artists with business, shared her expertise through a hands-on workshop focused on recycling fabrics into original art and design pieces. Students had the opportunity to view inspiring examples of eco-conscious artwork which were presented. Students got to touch and feel fabrics and discussed the qualities of the waste material that the visitor bought with her.
Students will learn practical skills while exploring themes of sustainability, identity, and innovation. Each student will develop a personal piece using recycled textiles, with an emphasis on creative reuse and environmental awareness. This experience not only supports the development of artistic skills but also encourages students to think critically about waste, consumerism, and the environmental impact of all areas where textiles are used, and waste is created. The final artworks will be showcased and displayed in the school, later this term. We’re proud to partner with the IAGF and bring real-world artistic practices into our classrooms—sparking creativity, responsibility, and collaboration among our students.
For more information see: https://iagf.at/symcraft-blog/