Students engage with innovative wellbeing project
More than 130 UHI Perth students took part in an interactive arts and wellbeing experience when the Falling UP KUBE visited the Brahan Building earlier this month.
Designed as an immersive creative space; art, conversation and collaborative activity was encouraged to create connection, reflection and positive wellbeing.
Developed by community arts collective Falling UP, the KUBE formed the centrepiece of the event. Throughout the day, students were invited to contribute to a range of interactive activities that promoted creativity, self-expression and dialogue around wellbeing, while fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Discussions are now underway around a potential artist collective-in-residence project that would connect key areas of the campus, including the Walled Garden and the Brahan, Webster and Goodlyburn buildings, through a series of participatory, co-created public art projects.
Dr Drew Walker of Falling UP explained: "We were delighted by the response from students at UHI Perth. The level of engagement and participation exceeded our expectations and reinforced the value of creating spaces where people can come together through creativity, conversation and shared experiences.
"Over the past year, we have been warmly welcomed by staff and students across the campus. The enthusiasm, support and openness we have encountered have helped generate exciting ideas for future projects that place creativity and wellbeing at their heart."
The event built on previous Falling UP activity at UHI Perth, including an artistic installation of five large-scale fabric artworks displayed in the Webster Building café earlier this year.
Drew added: "We are grateful to everyone who took part and look forward to exploring further opportunities to bring the KUBE concept back to campus and continue developing creative projects in partnership with UHI Perth.
“Everyone we have encountered during our many visits has been generous with their time, ideas and encouragement. That collaborative spirit has made UHI Perth a fantastic place to develop new approaches to wellbeing through creativity, and we look forward to building on the momentum created by this successful event."
The event was supported by colleagues from across UHI Perth, including staff from Estates and Catering, whose assistance helped create a welcoming environment for participants throughout the day.
Feedback gathered during the event highlighted the positive atmosphere created by the installation, with participants describing the experience as welcoming, engaging and thought-provoking.
Student wellbeing remains a key priority for UHI Perth, and initiatives such as the Falling UP KUBE provide opportunities for students to build connections, explore creativity and enhance their sense of community alongside their studies.
The successful pilot event has opened discussions about future opportunities to bring the KUBE and other creative engagement projects to campus, helping to further strengthen an inclusive and supportive student experience.