Broken musical instruments destined for disposal have been given a new lease of life through a unique art and sustainability project.
The Climate Unity: Circular Art exhibition launched this week at the University of Winchester's West Downs Art Gallery. It showcases artworks created by pupils in Hampshire using obsolete musical instruments supplied by Hampshire Music Education Hub. The exhibition runs until 22 July.
The project was developed in response to a simple question: what should happen to hundreds of musical instruments that could no longer be repaired or restored?
Rather than becoming waste, the instruments were transformed into sculptures that demonstrate the principles of the circular economy while encouraging creativity, environmental awareness and engagement with science.
Professor Ian Williams from the University of Southampton, who co-created the project with partners, said: "Broken musical instruments are usually seen as waste. By turning them into permanent works of art, we've shown how creativity can bring together science, engineering, music and art to communicate important environmental ideas in a way that is memorable and inspiring.
"This project demonstrates how collaboration across disciplines can help young people think differently about sustainability while building confidence, creativity and problem-solving skills."
The initiative addresses two significant challenges: helping scientists communicate complex environmental issues in engaging ways, and finding new approaches to inspire young people -particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds - to engage with STEM subjects.
By combining engineering, environmental science, music and visual arts, the project offers an innovative educational model that develops environmental literacy alongside creativity, confidence and wider transferable skills.
Students from schools across Hampshire worked with their art teachers to transform discarded instruments into permanent artworks that will remain on display in their schools after the exhibition, creating lasting reminders of sustainability and resourcefulness.
Kerry Kenward, from Hampshire Music Education Hub, said: "The artworks celebrate the history and emotional value of the instruments, demonstrating how objects at the end of one life can begin another through creativity."
The launch event featured performances from young musicians representing Hampshire Music Education Hub's youth ensembles alongside the exhibition of pupils' artwork.
Organisers hope to expand the initiative next year by involving students from the University of Southampton and developing a funding bid to support a larger programme.
Full details of the exhibition including opening times can be found here: Climate Unity - Hampshire Music Education Hub
