Solarpunk: A Story of Sand and Energy: Imagining Namibia’s Bright Future

The Franco Namibian Cultural Centre (FNCC) came alive on 30 October 2025 as art lovers, sustainability advocates and curious visitors gathered for the opening of Solarpunk: A Story of Sand and Energy, an interactive exhibition inviting audiences to imagine Namibia’s future powered by creativity and renewable energy.

The exhibition marks the first public presentation of works by Namibian artist Vitjitua Ndjiharine and Spanish artist Rocío Asensi, created during their joint residency in Swakopmund in August 2025. Their collaboration blends science fiction, environmental awareness and cultural storytelling, a visual dialogue between sand, sun and imagination.

Under the leadership of the Goethe-Institut Namibia, and in cooperation with The Project Room, the Solarpunk project was selected from 47 international applications as part of the EUNIC Cluster Fund 2024/2025. The initiative forms part of the EUNIC Namibia Cluster, a partnership between the Goethe-Institut Namibia, Franco Namibian Cultural Centre, Club Italiano Namibia, Embassy of Spain, Embassy of Finland, Camões Namíbia and the European Union in Namibia.

At its core, Solarpunk embodies a radical optimism, envisioning communities built on sustainability, inclusion, and shared responsibility. Visitors explored installations that merge natural materials with futuristic design, inviting reflection on Namibia’s abundant solar and wind energy potential, and the role of local identity in shaping a sustainable tomorrow. The exhibition’s participatory elements encouraged dialogue and imagination, a space where art becomes a tool for envisioning change

By grounding its vision in Namibian traditions, cultural practices and environmental realities, Solarpunk: A Story of Sand and Energy challenges audiences to rethink what the future can look like when creativity and community come together.

About Solarpunk 

Solarpunk emerged in the late 2000s to early 2010s as a response to dystopian science fiction and environmental themes. The new genre combines imaginative design and storytelling, it envisions nature-integrated, technology-enhanced worlds. Solarpunk brings an unequivocal message of hope and rebels against dooms thinking by daring to imagine and build a liveable, just, and regenerative future.

Read the speech of the Ambassador here.