COVENTRY University has launched a new scheme aimed at educating and empowering coastal communities in Malaysia to protect and preserve their environment and livelihoods.
The programme, titled the Frugal Artist-in-Residence Programme for Playful and Co-Creative Community Engagement in Environmental Awareness and Impact (FAiR), seeks to connect communities with their coastal environments and inspire future generations to become environmental stewards.
The project is led by Professor Sylvester Arnab, an award-winning expert in Game Science from Coventry University’s Research Centre for Postdigital Cultures.
FAiR focuses on supporting the coastal fishing communities around Salak-Santubong Bay, near the city of Kuching.
These communities face significant challenges such as poverty, limited educational resources, and high levels of coastal rubbish, which threaten both the environment and the livelihoods of local residents and fishermen.
FAiR aims to address these challenges by empowering marginalised coastal fishing communities to tackle issues like coastal pollution and its impact on marine ecosystems.
The scheme offers holistic solutions that integrate art with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects.
Activities such as beach festivals and interactive installations will feature playful artwork made from plastic waste, functional water filtration systems, and imaginative artificial reef designs using reusable materials.
The programme will involve local and student artists and scientists to amplify its creative and scientific impact while nurturing community ownership and collaboration.
By integrating arts with STEM education, FAiR encourages playful and frugal learning in marine biology, ecology, and climate science.
Professor Arnab said: “Preserving nature is about fostering a sense of stewardship and responsibility for our planet’s future.
“Through the FAiR programme, we aim to inspire a new generation of environmental leaders who will champion sustainability and drive positive change in their communities and beyond.”
Dr. Jacey-Lynn Minoi, co-investigator in Malaysia, added: “I’m thrilled that this project allows our local artists, marine science NGOs, coastal communities, and researchers from Malaysia and the UK to collaborate, share knowledge, and explore playful art-based solutions to our relationship with the environment and each other, highlighting Borneo’s biodiversity and cultural diversity.”
