Sustainability and Upcycling in design on focus at Transform4Europe’s Summer School 2025!
From 11 to 15 of August, the Estonian Academy of Arts is organizing the Creative Circularity Summer School, within the Transform4Europe alliance, with a focus on Sustainability and Upcycling in design.
This year’s programme features two pratical courses: ‘Recrafted: A Workshop for Shoe & Bag Upcycling’, on transforming used materials into unique fashion items, and ‘Green Transformer Student Challenge’, encouraging innovative and sustainable design solutions.
Bachelor’s and master’s degree students at Universidade Católica Portuguesa may apply to a full scholarship to participate in each of these courses.
The Summer Course Recrafted: A Workshop for Shoe & Bag Upcycling, takes place online on August 8 and in person, from 11 to 15 August, in Tallinn, Estonia, and application deadline ends on May 11 2025.
This course provides an opportunity to explore upcycling techniques. By combining artistic craftsmanship with sustainability principles, the summer course encourages innovation in material reuse while fostering a deeper understanding of ethical fashion practices.
This initiative seeks to inspire creative solutions that bridge environmental consciousness with
contemporary design, demonstrating the transformative potential of discarded resources in shaping a more responsible and forward-thinking fashion industry.
To participate in the ‘Green Transformer Student Challenge’, students should apply by May 18th. The course will include an in-person part, from 11 to 15 August, in Tallinn, Estonia, and an online part on August 22.
This course engages in exploring practical, low-impact design strategies that support sustainable development and circular thinking.
Through guided visits to leading design studios, participants gain insight into real-world design processes and methodologies while drawing inspiration from industry professionals. This immersive experience empowers students to co-create innovative solutions that merge functionality with ecological responsibility.
At the conclusion of the project, the best teams are recognized, with winning teams receiving cash prizes from a total prize fund of 5000 €.
The Green Transformer Student Challenge 2025 is closely connected to Recrafted: A Workshop for Shoe & Bag Upcycling, with both initiatives forming an integrated event: while the workshop provides hands-on experience in upcycling techniques, the challenge offers a platform for students to apply those skills in interdisciplinary teams, developing innovative solutions to real-world sustainability challenges.
About the Requirements
- Be a BA or MA student at Universidade Católica Portuguesa.
- Demonstrate strong communication and comprehension skills in English.
- Fulfill all application requirements (please read the calls bellow).
Recrafted: A Workshop for Shoe & Bag Upcycling CALL | Green Transformer Student Challenge CALL |