In this roundtable edition of Efecto Cascada, we dive into the blue heart of our planet, our oceans, rivers, and aquatic ecosystems, to explore how participatory art can foster community and environmental action. Joining us are Antonella Passani, senior researcher at T6 Ecosystems and PartArt4OW partner and Sarah Tamulski, project manager at the SUBMARINER Network and lead of TIDAL ArtS.
Art and Action for Mission Restore Our Ocean and Waters
Both PartArt4OW and TIDAL ArtS are EU-funded sister projects working towards a shared goal: contributing to the EU’s Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030”. While their approaches differ, they share a belief in the power of artistic engagement and community participation to tackle urgent environmental challenges, from biodiversity loss to water pollution.
Antonella outlines how PartArt4OW integrates participatory art with citizen science to enhance ocean literacy. The project funds interdisciplinary teams blending art, science, and citizen engagement, ensuring power dynamics remain equal across sectors. Through open calls, an accelerator, and a floating Mediterranean hub, PartArt4OW connects local actors and showcases creative interventions for water restoration.
“We don’t want art to just beautify science or citizens to be spectators. We want real collaboration and co-creation,” says Antonella.
Meanwhile, TIDAL ArtS is structured around four regional “lighthouse” hubs, inspired by the EU’s water basin approach. It funds artists to work directly with local communities and scientists, empowering them to create site-specific works that reflect regional challenges, be it marine pollution, urban waterways, or sustainable blue economies.
“We’re not just inspiring youth or fishermen, we’re engaging scientists, artists, and citizens in dialogue,” Sarah explains. “Our goal is to foster new ways of seeing and feeling connected to aquatic environments.”
EP 24 – (PARTART4OW & TIDAL Arts)
Supporting Artists Beyond Funding
Both projects go far beyond grants. PartArt4OW offers a six-month accelerator with a bootcamp, mentorship, open science training, and communication support. The program culminates in a demo day and plans a final sea-bound tour connecting participating projects across the Mediterranean.
TIDAL ArtS has launched “Lighthouse Calls” and will soon open residencies offering €50,000 in support. Artists receive tailored mentoring, matchmaking with scientists and local stakeholders, and opportunities for exhibitions or public showings across Europe.
Why Participatory Art?
Participatory art doesn’t just raise awareness, it brings people into the problem-solving process. These projects shift environmental action from abstract to emotional and local, bridging knowledge gaps and amplifying underrepresented voices.
“It’s responsible research,” says Antonella. “The questions don’t come only from scientists, but from the needs and stories of local communities.”
What’s Next?
PartArt4OW has just completed its first Open Call and is now onboarding teams for its accelerator starting this September. TIDAL ArtS is actively seeking new projects through its open Lighthouse Call (until June 14, 2025) and preparing for the launch of artist residencies in the fall.
Both projects will culminate in showcasing events and aim to build long-lasting networks between artists, scientists, and citizens dedicated to water restoration.
Listen to the Full Episode
This podcast has been made possible thanks to the support of the Ministry of Culture and the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan of the Spanish Government. Their support has been fundamental to carry out this podcast.
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EP 24: Artistic Action for Ocean and River Restoration (PARTART4OW & TIDAL ARTS)
