A Thematic Approach

Developing Revolutionary Eco-friendly Alternatives with Materials

DREAM rethinks waste as a resource, exploring circular approaches to materials that make sense for island life. At its heart is a shared ambition to help shape a ‘Waste-Free Island’ strategy for Rathlin, connecting material innovation, community participation and new ways of valuing waste. Building on projects such as Beach Clean 2.0 and Rathlin Wool, DREAM explores how local materials, repair culture and small-scale making can support regenerative economies and more sustainable relationships with place.

Digital Connectivity Across Lighthouse and Coastal Locations

GreenLink explores how digital technologies can strengthen connection, learning and collaboration across remote coastal and island communities. Through AR/VR world-building, immersive heritage experiences and educational toolkits on ocean plastics, the theme connects digital innovation with environmental awareness and cultural participation. It supports new forms of storytelling, green skills and shared learning across Celtic and Nordic coastal networks.

A Creativity-Led Strategy for a Sustainable Knowledge Economy

The East Light explores the adaptive reuse of Rathlin’s East Lighthouse as a community-led hub for creativity, sustainability and enterprise. Building on Phase One projects including Beach Clean 2.0, Repair Culture oral histories, immersive heritage and creative residencies, the theme investigates how historic coastal sites can be reimagined through design, making and community participation. Bringing together heritage, skills development and entrepreneurship, it aims to support sustainable tourism, local enterprise and shared learning while strengthening Rathlin’s connections with wider green transition networks across Ireland, Scotland and beyond.