Bringing together art, technology and science, S+T+ARTS4WaterII – Ports in Transformation is dedicated to tackling the complex environmental and societal challenges present in Europe’s ports and port cities.
We find ourselves at a pivotal juncture in our connection with nature, technology, and humanity, where it’s increasingly evident that our current lifestyle is unsustainable and demands urgent reconsideration. It’s imperative to redefine innovation to pave the way for a sustainable future. This ambitious objective necessitates united efforts and unwavering determination.
The European Green Deal sets out the ambitious aim of making Europe the world’s first climate-neutral continent by 2050. In support of this aim, S+T+ARTS4WaterII aligns with specific Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 14 (Life Below Water) in particular. Achieving these targets requires fundamental changes in our economic behaviors and systems, transitioning from the prevalent extractive consumption model to one driven by mission, values, and concerns.
Now more than ever, it’s vital for researchers, industry leaders, technology providers, and the cultural sphere to reimagine innovation, laying the groundwork for a more sustainable future. S+T+ARTS4WaterII facilitates interdisciplinary collaboration, collective critical thinking, research, experimentation, and co-design led by artists through collaborative art residencies, international educational workshops, exhibitions, conferences, and networking activities that bring together artists, researchers, stakeholders, and ICT experts. These collaborations focus on addressing specific local or regional water challenges and envisioning future water management through creative, critical artistic works, novel digital solutions and public engagement.
The S+T+ARTS4WaterII project, a continuation after the successful implementation of its pilot predecessor S+T+ARTS4WaterI, initiated by the European Commission and the United Nations through the European S+T+ARTS initiative (Science, Technology, and Arts). The project aims to foster art-driven responsible innovation and outreach involving ports, water research institutions, and digital technologies.
This partnership also presents an opportunity to embrace the principles of the New European Bauhaus. By integrating sustainability, aesthetics, and inclusiveness into their initiatives, partners can enhance their connection with the public and develop projects that encourage community involvement, raise environmental awareness, and promote economic prosperity.
Duration: January 2024 – October 2024 Consortium: VITO (BE), WAAG (NL), GLUON (BE), Camargo Foundation (FR), OGR Turino (IT), TBA21 Thyssen-Bornemisza Art Contemporary (SP), Beta Festival / Dublin City University Adapt Centre (IR), Klima Biennale Wien (AT), PINA (SL), Drugo More (CO).
Management contact points: Aurélie Delater and Frans Snijkers.
Communication contact point: Asmoun Mastman
Partners
VITO is an independent Flemish research organisation in the area of cleantech and sustainable development. Vito aims to accelerate the transition to a sustainable world.
Waag Futurelab utilises public research methods in the realms of technology and society in order to empower as many people as possible to design an open, honest and inclusive future.
GLUON raises awareness in global challenges and highlights the critical relationship between human and sciences, as well as the synergy between people, technology, and the environment. By fostering collaboration among researchers, artists, citizens, and students, they aim to develop a platform that maximizes partnerships and confronts these challenges collectively.
The Camargo Foundation fosters creativity, research, and experimentation through its international residency program for artists, scholars, and thinkers.
OGR TORINO aims at cultural creation, production and communication in the fields of Performing Arts, Music, Literature, Contemporary Art, Creativity and Design and pursues the goals of empowerment and social inclusion. It also promotes scientific and technological research in an international dimension.
TBA21 Thyssen-Bornemisza Art Contemporary is a leading international art and advocacy foundation created in 2002 by the philanthropist and collector Francesca Thyssen-Bornemisza. The foundation stewards the TBA21 Collection and its outreach activities, which include exhibitions as well as educational and publicprogramming.
ADAPT, the world-leading SFI Research Centre for AI-Driven Digital Content Technology, brings leading academics, researchers and industry partners together to deliver excellent science, engage the public, develop novel solutions for business across all sectors and enhance Ireland’s international reputation.
With the vision and innovative power of art, the Klima Biennale Wien spurs the paradigm shift toward a livable and sustainable future on our planet. The key tools to achieve this objective are participation, collaboration, and awareness. The Biennale will stake out viable responses to the climate crisis together with the people of Vienna.
PiNA is an association, established in 1998 at the initiative of the Open Society Institute, which has been promoting socially responsible practices and strengthening the culture of dialogue for over 20 years. Since its establishment, PiNA has served as a point for meeting, providing information, exchange, connection and collaboration in the field of societal challenges.
Drugo more (The Other Sea) is a non-profit organization dedicated to producing, promoting, researching, and disseminating culture, with a focus on topics of social relevance. Their core activities involve focusing on theexchange between local and international artists, students, and audiences through gallery programs, arts production, research, and various participatory and educational events such as conferences, workshops, lectures, and seminars.
Beta is a new festival of art and technology in Ireland co-founded by The Digital Hub and with ADAPT Research Centre as the research partner. The festival critically engages with technology’s impact on society through creativity, debate and experimentation.