Open Call – Turning the Tide 2025 residencies in Evia, Greece – November 29, 2024

Are you an artist based in Austria (Vienna), Sweden (Stockholm) or Scotland who is passionate about leveraging art to address pressing environmental challenges in waterfront cities? Join us in our Climate x Art initiative, Turning the Tide (TTT), which seeks to creatively respond to the climate crisis and its threat to waterfront communities.

Through this unique residency opportunity, 3 international artists (one from each country) will have the opportunity to contribute to a transdisciplinary dialogue and create tangible works of art that amplify the local voices of Evia, Greece and raise awareness about the region’s climate challenges.

About Turning the Tide (TTT)

TTT is an ambitious artistic intervention and transdisciplinary dialogue project, designed to harness the power of art to spark conversations and drive action on climate change and climate justice. By collaborating with socially engaged artists and local communities in four waterfront cities, TTT aims to explore the role of art in reshaping the narrative on climate issues.

Turning the Tide is an initiative by Intercult (Sweden), Artit (Greece), Wiener Bildungsakademie (Austria), Dear Hunter (Netherlands), Urban Culture Institute (Poland), in collaboration with Fablevision (Scotland) and River//Cities network. For more information, please visit TTT’s website.

Residency Details

The residency in Evia, the second-largest island of Greece offers three selected artists a 28-day residency from April 19th, 2025 until May 17th, 2025. During this time, artists will have the opportunity to conduct cultural mapping, research, engage with the local community and co-create artistic works with the public’s support, inspired by their experiences and the insights gained during the residency. The final works will be presented in the planned Evia International Lab in the presence of all stakeholders between May 14-16th, 2025.

Expectations and Engagement

The selected artists participating in the residency are expected to produce tangible artistic works that reflect their engagement with the local context and climate-related themes. These works will be showcased both during the Evia International Lab in mid-May 2025, and digitally, via the TTT website thereafter, providing a platform for artists to share their perspectives with a global audience.

Artists will be further invited to actively participate in online meetings before, during, and after their residency to meet the team, discuss their ideas, and receive feedback and guidance. Moreover, they will be expected to engage in any upcoming local labs (in their respective country), facilitating artistic and social interactions with the local community and the other selected artists. These labs offer artists valuable opportunities to collaborate, exchange ideas, and gain insights into the cultural and environmental context of Evia.

Accommodation and Support

During the residency, the selected artists will be accommodated in designated spaces within Evia, providing a conducive environment for artistic exploration and community engagement. Our team will provide support and guidance throughout the residency to ensure that artists have a fulfilling and enriching experience.

So, join us in Evia and be part of a transformative journey where art meets activism to address the urgent challenges waterfront cities are facing.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria

This opportunity is exclusively open to Austria (Vienna)-based, Sweden (Stockholm)-based and Scotland-based artists who aspire to contribute to our transformative initiative in addressing climate change through art. Artists who wish to explore the intersection of art and environmental sustainability are encouraged to apply.

The selection process will be a joint effort – involving leading art organisations and curators from all associated partners. These esteemed professionals will collectively review applications and ensure a fair and inclusive selection process. The artist selection will be based on:

• The participant’s genuine interest and relevance to the theme of addressing the climate crisis through art.
• Their ability and readiness to actively participate in the art residency and offer diverse perspectives.
• Their focus on community engagement and participative processes.
• Their collaborative spirit and willingness to contribute to the overall project and work alongside fellow local and international artists during the residency.
• Their ability to demonstrate strong time management and excellent communication skills.
• Proficiency in English.

Previous experience in similar projects will be considered a plus but is not required.

Residency Awards and Artist Benefits

Three selected international artists will get to travel to Evia, Greece and will receive the following:

• Compensation: A gross amount of €2600, to cover the costs of stay and artist compensation during the residency. The final amount paid to the artist will be subject to deductions based on the national tax regulations of the country in which the artist resides, as well as the national law of the organising body.
• Residency Logistics Support: Additional comprehensive coverage for travel expenses and accommodation throughout the residency period.
• Production Budget: A production budget (up to €600), upon approval, to support the creative process and the realization of artistic projects.
• Participation in Physical & Online Exhibition: Showcase your artwork at the end of the International Lab and to a global audience by digitally exhibiting your process and final works on TTT’s platform, amplifying your voice on climate action.
• Media Exposure: Gain exposure through media channels, sharing your perspectives and artistic vision with a broader audience.
• Networking and Educational Opportunities: Engage in workshops, discussions, and networking events and activities with fellow artists, scholars, activists and experts, fostering collaboration and growth.
• Community Engagement: Participate in local labs and community events, fostering meaningful connections and collaboration with the local community.
• Professional Development: Enhance your artistic practice and broaden your horizons through diverse cultural experiences and exchanges.

This residency is not just an award – it’s a transformative experience that empowers artists to make a difference through their creativity. Join us in Evia and be part of a global movement using art to drive positive change.

If you are interested in the residency in Evia, Greece (April 19th, 2025 until May 17th, 2025) you are welcome to apply via these links by the 1st of February 2025.

• Google form – Austria (Vienna): https://shorturl.at/vI3Qp
• Google form – Sweden (Stockholm): https://shorturl.at/cqpNl
• Google form – Scotland: https://shorturl.at/uSoEY

The applicants will get information about the decision by the second week of February.

International Artists Jenny Marketou and Kamila Chomicz Spend their First Week in Vienna

With the arrival of the two internationally renowned artists Jenny Marketou from Greece and Kamila Chomicz from Poland, an intensive and inspiring first stay in Seestadt began. These two artists are part of the Turning the Tide project, which deals with the role of art and culture in addressing climate change. In their first week in Vienna, they experienced a varied program full of new impressions, discussions, and encounters.

Meeting with Gabriele Plank

At the beginning of the week, Jenny and Kamila met Gabriele Plank, District Councilor of Donaustadt and an enthusiastic advocate of Seestadt. In their first meeting, the artists exchanged ideas and projects they plan to develop during their four-week stay. Gabriele Plank, who plays an important role in urban development, provided valuable insights into the dynamic structure of Seestadt and ongoing developments. She was particularly interested in the ecological approaches and sustainable aspects of Jenny and Kamila’s artistic work.

Extensive Tour with Gunther Laher

A highlight of the first week was an extensive tour of Seestadt, led by Gunther Laher, program manager of the City of Vienna and responsible for urban development projects such as Seestadt. Together with the artists, Gabriele Plank, and other participants, Seestadt was explored in all its facets. Gunther Laher provided insights into the urban planning vision of Seestadt while also highlighting the ecological challenges that lie ahead. During the tour, innovative sustainable water usage projects and the importance of green spaces for the microclimate of Seestadt were also discussed.

Discussions and Workshops with Dear Hunter

A central part of the week was the intense discussions and workshops with Dear Hunter (Marlies Vermeulen and Remy Kroese). The Dutch artist duo has created a detailed map of Seestadt over the past few weeks, focusing on the element of water. In joint sessions, Jenny, Kamila, and Dear Hunter discussed artistic approaches, the connection between humans and nature, and how urban environments influence artistic projects. These discussions served as an essential foundation for the further work of the two artists within the Turning the Tide project.

Meeting with Peter Filipczak from the WBA

Another highlight of the week was the meeting with Peter Filipczak, a renowned expert and biologist who works for the Wiener Bildungsakademie. In a detailed discussion, Jenny and Kamila exchanged ideas with Peter about the biodiversity in Seestadt. Peter, who has a deep passion for Vienna’s flora and fauna, shared his knowledge of the local plant and animal life and the challenges posed by climate change. This meeting inspired the artists to incorporate ecological issues into their works and engage more deeply with Seestadt’s natural surroundings.

Meeting with Christian Haas and Pia Maria Wieninger

An important meeting during the first week was the exchange with Christian Haas, District Councilor of Donaustadt and an expert in sustainable energy and electricity supply. In a lively conversation, Jenny and Kamila discussed the challenges associated with the energy transition and climate change. Christian Haas explained the current renewable energy projects in Vienna and how they are integrated into sustainable urban development. In addition, the artists had the opportunity to meet with Pia Maria Wieninger, a councillor, and discuss women’s political issues in Vienna and Austria, which play a central role in local governance.

Visit to the Natural History Museum

A special excursion took Jenny and Kamila to the Natural History Museum of Vienna, where they engaged with the rich yet highly endangered biodiversity. Together with museum experts, they discussed the effects of species extinction and the global loss of biodiversity. These discussions sharpened the artist’s awareness of the ecological challenges we face and offered new inspiration for their artistic work, which deals with the relationship between humans and nature.

Visit to the Weekly Market

The visit to the weekly market in Seestadt provided a pleasant conclusion to the first week. Here, Jenny and Kamila experienced the vibrant community of Seestadt residents firsthand and immersed themselves in the daily life of the district. The market not only offered them the opportunity to discover local products but also to connect with the people of Seestadt and gain initial impressions of the neighbourhood’s social structure.

Dear Hunter Visit Kaiserbrunn

Dear Hunter had the opportunity to visit Kaiserbrunn, the place where one of the high spring water pipelines begins, that transports fresh spring water to Vienna. Kaiserbrunn, located in the Lower Austrian Alps, plays a central role in Vienna’s water supply. The crystal-clear water, which is delivered untreated directly into the city via the high spring pipelines, originates here. The visit provided Dear Hunter with fascinating insights into the technical achievement and the ecological balance necessary to ensure a sustainable water supply for Vienna.

The first week of Jenny Marketou and Kamila Chomicz was a promising and inspiring start to their artistic stay in Seestadt. They gained deep insights into the urban structure and the natural environment of this unique district while experiencing the connections between humans, nature, and architecture in a completely new way. Both artists were impressed by the diversity and richness of the urban and natural ecosystems that play such a central role in Seestadt.

The discussions about environmental protection, sustainability, and the importance of biodiversity have awakened a deep awareness in both artists of the challenges of our time. The initial ideas they developed during this intensive week are not only artistic responses to ecological questions but also a plea for more respect and mindfulness toward the environment. They emphasize the need to rethink the relationships between the city and nature, humans, and the environment in the age of climate change.

In the context of Turning the Tide, their work will draw attention to important issues such as the significance of water as a source of life, the preservation of biodiversity, and the promotion of sustainable urban development. Through collaboration with other artists, scientists, and the local community, a platform for exchanging ideas will be created to strengthen our relationship with nature and lead to a deeper understanding of the ecological and social challenges we face. The coming weeks promise to delve further into these themes and transform them into impressive artistic works that will attract attention both in Seestadt and internationally, inviting reflection.

In summary, two weeks since the project’s start in Vienna, Bernd Herger, project manager for the Wiener Bildungsakademie in the context of Turning the Tide, says: ‘Art and culture have the power to spark change and reach people in ways that go beyond words. In times of climate crisis, it is crucial to use these tools in solidarity to raise awareness of the challenges we face and develop solutions together. Through collaboration, creativity, and societal solidarity, we can shape a more sustainable and just future.’

*Special Announcement: Gallery Day in Seestadt on October 11th*

At the end of their first week, Jenny and Kamila are looking forward to the upcoming events, especially Gallery Day in Seestadt on October 11th. As part of this event, the two international artists, along with other local artists, will present an exhibition that showcases their works and insights from their first weeks in Seestadt. This group exhibition is part of the Turning the Tide project and will unite both local and international perspectives on ecological and societal issues. Stay tuned for more info!

Vienna International Lab – Final Event – October 1, 2024

On October 18th and 19th, the final event of the International Lab in Vienna, as part of the Turning the Tide project, will take place at the Kunstraum Seestadt, located at Maria Tusch Straße 22, 1220 Vienna. This two-day event will showcase the creative works of international artists Jenny Marketou (Greece) and Kamila Chomicz (Poland), alongside contributions from local Viennese artists who have participated in the lab. These exhibitions and presentations mark the culmination of months of interdisciplinary collaboration, exploring how art and culture can respond to climate change and inspire environmental action.

A particular highlight of the event will be the presentation of a map of Seestadt Aspern, created by the Dutch artists Dear Hunter – Marlies Vermeulen and Remy Kroese. Their innovative mapping method has documented not only the physical aspects of the Seestadt area but also the interactions between its residents and their urban environment. This detailed visual narrative will be a central piece of the event, highlighting the relationship between community and space in the face of climate challenges.

Adding to this is a special discussion with Johannes Tovatt, the renowned architect behind the master plan of Seestadt Aspern, who will provide insights into the forward-thinking urban design and how it integrates environmental sustainability. Tovatt’s work on the Seestadt masterplan is internationally recognised for its focus on creating an inclusive, environmentally resilient urban space. This conversation will touch on the vision behind Seestadt as a model for future cities and its efforts to address the impact of climate change through innovative urban planning.

The Turning the Tide project is a transformative European cooperation initiative co-funded by Creative Europe. It brings together six partner organisations from Austria, Poland, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Greece, each working on creative solutions to climate change, particularly focusing on waterfront zones. The Polish partner, IKM – Urban Culture Institute, is particularly involved in fostering urban cultural practices that engage communities in addressing environmental challenges. The project aims to explore the role of art and culture as dynamic forces in environmental action, empowering local communities to respond to the ongoing climate crisis.

Vienna’s International Lab is one of several labs held across Europe, with each city addressing unique environmental challenges. The final event in Vienna will bring together artists, cultural practitioners, environmental experts, and local leaders to engage in discussions, exhibitions, and workshops. The focus will be on the role of water in urban life, with Seestadt Aspern serving as a key example of how sustainable urban design can respond to climate change. The presentations and discussions will provide a platform to reflect on the intersection of art, culture, and environmental stewardship.

Seestadt Aspern is one of the largest urban development projects in Europe, designed as a model for sustainable living. The project focuses on integrating green spaces, energy-efficient buildings, and sustainable transport solutions to create an environmentally friendly and livable urban district. The artificial lake at the heart of Seestadt serves not only as a recreational area but also plays a key role in the district’s water management, reflecting the “sponge city” principle of allowing rainwater to permeate the ground rather than flow into the sewage system.

In addition to the artistic presentations, the event will feature panel discussions, where experts from the fields of art, urban planning, and environmental science will share their perspectives on how creative practices can raise awareness of climate challenges. The program will also highlight the work of Wiener Bildungsakademie (WBA), an institution dedicated to promoting civic engagement, education, and cultural projects that address sustainability and social issues. WBA has been an integral part of the Turning the Tide project, supporting its activities in Vienna.

A detailed program ​​for Seestadt Symposium will be released soon, but the event timings are as follows:

• Friday, October 18th: 17:00 to 21:00
• Saturday, October 19th: 10:00 to 14:00

The event will take place at Kunstraum Seestadt, Maria Tusch Straße 22, 1220 Vienna, and is open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to join the discussions, view the exhibitions, and engage with the artists and experts who are contributing to this important conversation on climate action and urban sustainability.

For more details and the upcoming program, keep an eye on our website and follow us on social media!

Evia Local Urban Labs: Round 1 – September 16, 2024

On October 18th and 19th, the final event of the International Lab in Vienna, as part of the Turning the Tide project, will take place at the Kunstraum Seestadt, located at Maria Tusch Straße 22, 1220 Vienna. This two-day event will showcase the creative works of international artists Jenny Marketou (Greece) and Kamila Chomicz (Poland), alongside contributions from local Viennese artists who have participated in the lab. These exhibitions and presentations mark the culmination of months of interdisciplinary collaboration, exploring how art and culture can respond to climate change and inspire environmental action.

A particular highlight of the event will be the presentation of a map of Seestadt Aspern, created by the Dutch artists Dear Hunter – Marlies Vermeulen and Remy Kroese. Their innovative mapping method has documented not only the physical aspects of the Seestadt area but also the interactions between its residents and their urban environment. This detailed visual narrative will be a central piece of the event, highlighting the relationship between community and space in the face of climate challenges.

Adding to this is a special discussion with Johannes Tovatt, the renowned architect behind the master plan of Seestadt Aspern, who will provide insights into the forward-thinking urban design and how it integrates environmental sustainability. Tovatt’s work on the Seestadt masterplan is internationally recognised for its focus on creating an inclusive, environmentally resilient urban space. This conversation will touch on the vision behind Seestadt as a model for future cities and its efforts to address the impact of climate change through innovative urban planning.

The Turning the Tide project is a transformative European cooperation initiative co-funded by Creative Europe. It brings together six partner organisations from Austria, Poland, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Greece, each working on creative solutions to climate change, particularly focusing on waterfront zones. The Polish partner, IKM – Urban Culture Institute, is particularly involved in fostering urban cultural practices that engage communities in addressing environmental challenges. The project aims to explore the role of art and culture as dynamic forces in environmental action, empowering local communities to respond to the ongoing climate crisis.

Vienna’s International Lab is one of several labs held across Europe, with each city addressing unique environmental challenges. The final event in Vienna will bring together artists, cultural practitioners, environmental experts, and local leaders to engage in discussions, exhibitions, and workshops. The focus will be on the role of water in urban life, with Seestadt Aspern serving as a key example of how sustainable urban design can respond to climate change. The presentations and discussions will provide a platform to reflect on the intersection of art, culture, and environmental stewardship.

Seestadt Aspern is one of the largest urban development projects in Europe, designed as a model for sustainable living. The project focuses on integrating green spaces, energy-efficient buildings, and sustainable transport solutions to create an environmentally friendly and livable urban district. The artificial lake at the heart of Seestadt serves not only as a recreational area but also plays a key role in the district’s water management, reflecting the “sponge city” principle of allowing rainwater to permeate the ground rather than flow into the sewage system.

In addition to the artistic presentations, the event will feature panel discussions, where experts from the fields of art, urban planning, and environmental science will share their perspectives on how creative practices can raise awareness of climate challenges. The program will also highlight the work of Wiener Bildungsakademie (WBA), an institution dedicated to promoting civic engagement, education, and cultural projects that address sustainability and social issues. WBA has been an integral part of the Turning the Tide project, supporting its activities in Vienna.

A detailed program ​​for Seestadt Symposium will be released soon, but the event timings are as follows:

• Friday, October 18th: 17:00 to 21:00
• Saturday, October 19th: 10:00 to 14:00

The event will take place at Kunstraum Seestadt, Maria Tusch Straße 22, 1220 Vienna, and is open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to join the discussions, view the exhibitions, and engage with the artists and experts who are contributing to this important conversation on climate action and urban sustainability.

For more details and the upcoming program, keep an eye on our website and follow us on social media!