Wicklow students celebrated for sustainability artwork

Students across Wicklow have been recognised for their creativity in an art competition inspired by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The initiative, led by Greystones Library, asked primary pupils to design artwork that reflected the 17 global priorities set for achievement by 2030.

The winning pieces were unveiled at an awards ceremony on 23 September and will now feature in a 16-month calendar running from September 2025 to January 2027. The calendar is part of Wicklow Libraries’ wider strategy to foster environmental awareness and social responsibility, encouraging schools and families to connect with sustainability through creative engagement.

The competition formed part of a local book-reading initiative, which linked children’s literature with the SDGs, blending education with artistic expression. Prizes were presented by librarian Catherine Costello and Councillor Lourda Scott, Cathaoirleach of Greystones Municipal District, who sponsored the event. Education for Sustainable Development also supported the programme.

Councillor Scott praised the “fantastic creativity and imagination” shown by the pupils, while Wicklow County Council chief executive Emer O’Gorman described the project as a way of “embedding sustainability into everyday life” by engaging young people and their families.

Copies of the new calendar are now available at Greystones Library, providing schools and families with a practical tool for organisation while keeping the UN goals front of mind.

Read more about how Wicklow is using creativity to inspire climate-conscious communities in the full story.