The Waves of Change student contest, launched by the University of Sassari, invited students from across the EUNICoast alliance to explore the themes of Home Away from Home and Coastal Identity through visual and audiovisual works. Today, we’re thrilled to announce the winners, who captured the spirit of connection, heritage, and the unique bond between people and the sea.
Visual Works: Where Art Meets the Coast
1st Prize: Martina Vaccaro (University of Sassari - UNISS) – Two Shores, One Sea
Martina’s illustration tells a story of unity between Sardinia and Spain, where the Mediterranean becomes a bridge between cultures. “For me, Spain became a home away from home,” she shares. “Though our traditions differ, we are bound by the same sea and shared values like hospitality, respect, and exchange.” Theme: Home Away from Home
View the artwork here
2nd Prize: Aleksandra Walczak (West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin - ZUT) – O zachodzie słońca (At Sunset)
Aleksandra’s artwork features the Dar Młodzieży, the iconic three-masted frigate of Gdynia Maritime University, the first sailing ship built in a Polish shipyard. A symbol of maritime pride and coastal identity. Theme: Coastal Identity
View the artwork here
3rd Prize: Selena Dimitrova (Burgas Free University - BFU) – Super Coast
Selena’s digital creation blends concept art and Canva tools to craft a vibrant vision of coastal life, inspired by the quote: “How it was made: Using concept art scanned and uploaded to Canva, I chose a versatile background and used the ‘Copy Art Style’ tool to bring my vision to life.” Theme: Coastal Identity
View the artwork here
Audiovisual Works: Stories from the Sea
1st Prize: Iryna Bedrata (West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin - ZUT) – Home
Iryna’s work is a heartfelt exploration of what “home” means. An intimate, personal journey that resonates universally. Theme: Home Away from Home
View the artwork here
2nd Prize: Eva Lotta Metz & Merle Lischner (Hochschule Stralsund – University of Applied Sciences - HOST) – More than a City
This short film weaves together the voices of 49 international students in Stralsund, each sharing the first word that comes to mind when they think of the city. Through their stories and cinematic shots of the Baltic coastline, the film reveals how a small coastal city can become a home far from home—a celebration of diversity, connection, and belonging. Theme: Home Away from Home
View the artwork here
3rd Prize: Seweryn Antoni Andrelczyk (West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin - ZUT) – Learning from the Sea
Seweryn’s film documents two student sailing voyages, where the fundamentals of teamwork, respect for the sea, and the beauty of the Baltic and Szczecin Lagoon take center stage. Theme: Coastal Identity
View the artwork here
“Waves of Change” was an opportunity for students to reflect on the ties that bind us to the coasts we call home, whether near or far. From illustrations to films, each submission brought a unique perspective, proving that art and storytelling can bridge cultures, generations, and shores.
