In the framework of the European S+T+ARTS 4 WATER project GLUON, in partnership with LUCA School of Arts, launches two thematic open calls for artists.
Watercapitalism
Water is arguably the most precious resource on Earth, and yet we often value and manage it extremely poorly, triggering an exponential increase in water pollution, depletion of fish stocks, threatened extinction of some species etc. There is a growing awareness for more sustainable water management and governments, companies, farmers as well as citizens need a radical shift in attitude. This can only be based on the true value of water which goes further than a mere description of its utilitarian value based on cost-benefit analysis. Humanistic, moral, emotional, aesthetic and ethical values should also be taken into account. “How much do we value a walk along the river, a possible dive in its clean waters or the possibility to play an active role in safeguarding biodiversity?” The value of water is difficult to quantify because different audiences conceptualize and describe its values differently. What if we allowed people to buy and sell water rights? Could capitalism be a viable solution? We see the residency as the catalyst for Target 6.5: Implement integrated water resources management and Target 6.b: Support stakeholder participation.
Region information
Flanders is a water-stressed region where the balance between water management, rural development, and urbanization is put under strain. As a result of global warming Flanders experiences more extreme weather conditions such as heavy showers of rain, more water at once, more flooding, and at the same time dry periods with an increase danger of water shortages, leading to a position in the “high water stress” category on a list mapping water shortage regions worldwide.
S+T+ARTS: How is the mission S+T+ARTS driven?
A highly collaborative residency combining expertise in water management, philosophy, blockchain technology etc. towards a more sustainable, inclusive and value driven water management. This collaboration will lead to a speculative and explorative artwork and/or a functional prototype for the water industry. For the development of your project.
Residency support network
1. Farys
2. De Watergroep
3. Antea Group
4. Smappee (ICT company)
5. Snowball (Cleantech hub)
6. Timelab
7. Vlakwa (Flanders Knowledge Center For Water)
8. North Sea Port
9. VITO
What do we offer?
The budget for each residency is 40.000€, including artwork production and artist fee. Throughout the residencies, the residency support network will offer the necessary expertise and support from ICT experts affiliated to research institutions, universities, university colleges, innovative companies and start-ups.
The result of the residency will be shown in the partner institutions of the S+T+ARTS 4 WATER network including Bozar – Centre for Fine Arts (Brussels) in Fall 2022.
More information and application here
