PartArt4OW is looking for interdisciplinary and intersectoral projects mixing art, science and participatory practices in innovative ways, which will take place as a 6-month accelerator between 1 September 2025 and 27 February 2026. The project believes that collaborations between the creative and cultural sectors, the scientific community and the civic society organisations can lead to stronger projects.
They are looking for Participatory Art Initiatives (PAIs), whose overall goal will be to:
- increase citizens’ ocean literacy
- increase awareness on the challenges and pressures faced by the ocean and inland waters
- mobilise citizens and stakeholders for the protection and restoration of oceans and inland waters
The challenge of the first open call is: Engaging local communities for protecting and restoring marine and freshwater ecosystems and biodiversity. Participants are free to explore the many aspects and threats related to ocean and water biodiversity (such as biodiversity loss, algae proliferation, alien species, just to name a few).
The focus should be on the communities living in close proximity to the ocean, water basins and rivers and assure that the project proposed addresses key societal and environmental challenges of those communities.
Individuals, legal entities, and consortia may apply. Applicants must be established or resident in EU Member States or third countries in Europe that are associated or negotiating an association agreement with Horizon Europe. All artistic and creative expressions are welcome.
The programme offers the following:
- A maximum lump sum of 50,000 EUR per project
- Mentorship and training
- An intensive 3-day online bootcamp, providing learning and exchange opportunities on the PartArt4OW topics
- Guidance from experts on participatory and creative processes; on creative and innovative artistic expression, and on the conservation and protection of marine and freshwater ecosystems
- Networking and peer learning opportunities
- Promotion and visibility through PartArt4OW online channels, events and connection with related communities
