PARTART4OW - Participatory Art for society engagement with Ocean and Water

ID call: HORIZON-MISS-2023-OCEAN-01-11 Ocean & water and arts: the contribution of creative sectors to Mission Ocean and waters

Sapienza's role in the project: Coordinator

Scientific supervisor for Sapienza: Chiara Certomà

Department: Methods and Models for Economics, Territory and Finance

Project start date: September 1, 2024

Project end date: February 28, 2027

Abstract:

In line with the objectives of “Mission Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030” and the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, PartArt4OW aims to (1) strengthen the emotional attachment between society and the oceans and waters; (2) raise awareness of challenges these face; (3) develop a strong transdisciplinary and trans-European network of artistic and creative communities to protect and restore oceans and inland water; (3) support policymakers in working towards sustainable ocean and water policies. To this end, PartArt4OW focuses on participatory art and creative processes on the belief that participation can bring about a deeper engagement of people with the problem of ocean and water health by performing arts themselves. Building upon the belief that art and the creative sector can contribute to the EU Mission Starfish 2030 priorities, PartArt4Ocean mobilises artists, citizens and other stakeholders in realising 20 multi-stakeholder Participatory Art Initiatives (PAIs). All modes of artistic expression and synergies with EU-funded projects are welcome. Selected PAIs receive physical resources, human capital (training, experience, mentorship, relationships and feedback) and organisational capital (structure, planning, monitoring, and internal relationships) through a PartArt4OW Accelerator Program. To support PAIs, PartArt4OW also organises stakeholder engagement and ecosystem-building activities, including Ambassadors Network engaged in mutual learning exercises and the operationalization of ParArt Sailing Lab equipped with sustainable sailing and artistic production facilities on board to visit and connect creative communities engaged in PAIs. Matchmaking events and PartArt Festivals bootstrap the possibilities of artistic communities and creative sector stakeholders to significantly contribute to citizens’ connection with the ocean and the waters.

Sapienza is the project coordinator and provides academic knowledge, the dimension of participatory research and knowledge in sustainability governance. With extensive knowledge of existing initiatives in Europe that combine art, science and participation for the Oceans, it ensures that connections are made with them promoting the creation of a strong community beyond the project. It manages, monitors and promotes radical citizen science initiatives to investigate, discuss and generate transformative knowledge on ocean sustainability governance, engaging businesses, institutions and the creative sector.