Transformative synergies for improved water management
PROJECT IN BRIEF
The S+T+ARTS AQUA MOTION project is set to transform water management in Europe by merging artistic experimentation with cutting-edge technological innovations. Over 24 months, artists will collaborate with researchers, policymakers, businesses, and local communities to develop sustainable, creative solutions for pressing water challenges. The project focuses on four major European water basins—Atlantic-Arctic, Baltic-North Sea, Mediterranean, and Danube-Black Sea—ensuring regionally relevant interventions that align with local needs and broader European objectives.
Rooted in the EU Mission: Restore our Ocean and Waters, S+T+ARTS AQUA MOTION connects with the Mission Lighthouses, which serve as regional hubs for testing and implementing sustainable water solutions. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration across science, technology, arts, and policy, the project aims to bridge innovation gaps, explore nature-based solutions, and engage diverse communities in rethinking how Europe manages and values its water resources. Through artistic and technological exploration, it will challenge conventional approaches and inspire new strategies for a more sustainable and resilient water future.
Key activities include
+ Establishment of the Water Innovation Labs (WILs): Water Innovation Labs (WILs) will be established in Portugal, the Netherlands, Austria, and Italy as dynamic hubs for interdisciplinary collaboration. These labs will bring together diverse stakeholders from the quintuple helix—business, academia, government, environment, and civil society—to co-develop innovative, art-driven solutions to regional water challenges.
– S+T+ARTS Residencies: A total of 25 residencies will support artists in developing experimental, technology-driven artistic solutions to water-related challenges. Hosted in four countries, the residencies will facilitate deep engagement with local communities, scientists, and environmental stakeholders to explore creative interventions that promote water sustainability.
– S+T+ARTS Residencies Scale-Up and Immersion Programme: A 4-month scale-up phase will help artists refine their prototypes and integrate them into real-world scenarios. This phase includes immersion activities in local communities, participation in international events, and tailored acceleration support to enhance the societal and market adoption of the developed solutions.
– Impact and Behavioural Change Assessment: S+T+ARTS AQUA MOTION will assess the impact of artistic interventions on communities and stakeholders, focusing on behavioural change related to water sustainability. Using surveys, interviews, and data-driven methods, the project will measure shifts in public perception and policy engagement, ensuring long-term influence beyond the project’s duration.
– Events and Community Activities & International Events: The project features a diverse programme of local events and educational workshops to engage communities, alongside pop-up events in Brussels will offer a platform for artists and stakeholders to engage with policymakers and other stakeholders at the heart of European decision-making. High-profile showcases at the UNESCO Venice Office (Venice Biennale) and Ars Electronica Festival will provide international visibility. The project will conclude with a final conference in Brussels.
– S+T+ARTS AQUA MOTION – Sylloge: The Sylloge will be an open-access digital platform documenting the artistic, scientific, and technological insights developed throughout the project. Featuring narratives, installations, data visualizations, and educational content, the platform will serve as a knowledge hub for water-related innovation and inspire new approaches to sustainable water management.
– Learn More About the S+T+ARTS AQUA MOTION Advisory Board
The AQUA MOTION Advisory Board is composed of three distinguished experts who bring strategic guidance, critical perspectives, and cross-disciplinary knowledge to the project. Their role is to support the consortium in shaping the vision, ensuring scientific and artistic excellence, and strengthening the project’s relevance for diverse stakeholders. By bridging research, innovation, and society, the Advisory Board helps AQUA MOTION remain ambitious, impactful, and forward-looking in addressing today’s water challenges.
Duration: January 2025 – December 2026
Consortium: INOVA+ (Portugal) (Coordinator), AIR CENTRE (Portugal), +ATLANTIC CoLAB (Portugal), Rio Neiva (Portugal), WAAG (Netherlands), Hortimare VM (Netherlands), Ars Electronica (Austria), TU Wien (Austria), WAMU-NET (Italy), MUSE (Italy), Pro Progressione (Hungary), KIKK (Belgium)
Contact Person: Patrícia Carvalho & Rita Sousa
More: https://starts.eu/what-we-do/residences/startsaquamotion/
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