Haumea Ecoversity: Ecoliteracy for Creatives
Haumea Ecoversity, named after the Pacific Goddess Haumea—known for creativity and harvesting—was founded in 2019 by ecological artist and former science researcher Cathy Fitzgerald PhD (Ireland) and philosopher and permaculturist Nikos Patedakis PhD (California). Born in Aotearoa (New Zealand), Cathy has lived for the past 30 years in Ireland, the home of her ancestors. She established Haumea Ecoversity to address the gap in ecoliteracy within mainstream art education, which became apparent after her PhD on The Ecological Turn at Ireland’s leading art college.
This recognition, along with her internationally recognised eco-creative practice, The Hollywood Forest Story—a case study for the Library of Creative Sustainability—where she is transforming a monoculture plantation into a biodiverse forest, led her to create Haumea Ecoversity. Cathy aims to make ecological knowledge accessible to creatives, offering them pathways to integrate ecological insights into their practice, teaching, or leadership roles.
Nikos Patedakis, a philosopher who has explored wisdom traditions and holistic learning, specialises in permaculture and resilience-building. He also hosts a podcast at DangerousWisdom.org, where he shares insights into wisdom traditions and ecological thought. Together, they developed transformative ecoliteracy courses that support the well-being and creative growth of professionals at all stages of their careers.
Why Haumea Ecoversity Exists
Haumea Ecoversity responds to the urgent need for creative professionals to acquire ecological literacy. As ecological challenges escalate, many creatives, educators, and cultural policymakers struggle to integrate ecological insights into their work. Haumea’s courses transform this uncertainty into empowerment, offering practical and inspiring paths to embed ecoliteracy into creative practices and cultural leadership.
Approaches to Learning
Haumea Ecoversity’s approach is holistic, interdisciplinary, and peer-to-peer. Courses are informed by the integrated principles of the UNESCO-endorsed Earth Charter, which promotes ecological integrity, social justice, interdependence, and peace. Participants engage with systems thinking and values education while exploring contemplative practices like mindfulness and compassion to build emotional resilience. This combination equips creatives to integrate ecological insights into their professional and personal lives.
Participants and Areas of Learning
Haumea Ecoversity serves emerging and established creative professionals, art educators, cultural policymakers, and art researchers. The core focus is on ecoliteracy—covering values education, well-being, environmental science, and the power of creativity to inspire ecological awareness. Peer-to-peer learning fosters confidence and support as participants apply these principles in creative practice, teaching, or cultural policy development.
Impact on Local and Global Communities
Haumea Ecoversity has made a significant impact locally in Ireland and globally. Over 360 creative professionals from Ireland and abroad have completed its online courses, with many developing eco-creative practices, adapting their teaching methods, or influencing cultural policy. These initiatives focus on expanded understandings of personal, collective, planetary, and intergenerational well-being.
Cathy’s work has been recognised by the Irish Local Authority Arts Offices and featured in international publications like Earth Charter International Magazine. Her practice and Haumea Ecoversity have contributed to a growing movement of eco-creative practice in Ireland’s arts and cultural sectors, empowering creatives to make meaningful contributions to their communities. While based in Ireland, Haumea welcomes creatives from around the world.
Through transformative, holistic learning, Haumea Ecoversity equips creatives to become confident Ecoliterate Creative Leaders, driving personal, collective, planetary and intergenerational well-being.
