The PartArt4OW project is looking for innovative, interdisciplinary and participatory art initiatives that engage local communities in protecting and restoring marine and freshwater ecosystems and biodiversity.
 

What is there for you:

- Funding for a six month participatory art project
- an Accelerator Programme with training, mentoring and networking opportunities

The Open Call is now open and will close on April 3rd, 2025 (17:00 CET). Selected projects will receive funding of up to €50,000, along with tailored mentorship, training, and networking opportunities to bring their initiatives to life. Selected projects will also be showcased at the PartArt4OW Demo Days in Barcelona (February 2026), where they will present their creative contributions to policymakers, scientists, and cultural leaders.

PartArt4OW is calling for Participatory Art Initiatives (PAIs) that creatively engage citizens in ocean literacy, environmental awareness, and active restoration efforts. Art and science can drive change, and this initiative supports projects that:

• Strengthen emotional connections between society, the ocean and waters.

• Raise awareness of environmental challenges and pressures affecting our marine and freshwater ecosystems.

• Mobilize citizens and stakeholders to take action for the protection and restoration of our oceans and waters.

More specifically, this first open call is for project that will address the following challenge: “Engaging local communities for protecting and restoring marine and freshwater ecosystems and biodiversity”

PartArt4OW is particularly interested in:

• unseen phenomena, such as those related to climate change or those that cannot be seen because we are too disconnected from the ocean to perceive its changes 

• the interdependencies between different aspects of the challenge that a PAI will choose to target (natural, cultural, political, etc) and the related societal implications.

Projects can focus on ocean or inland waters or both at the same time. 

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. 

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).
 

Who can apply?

• Artists, creatives, researchers, NGOs and other civic society organisations and cultural and creative institutions.

• Individuals, organizations or consortia from EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries.

• Projects must be interdisciplinary and participatory, engaging local communities in ocean and water conservation.

Special priority will be given to initiatives that involve underrepresented communities, marginalized groups, and citizens at risk of social exclusion.
 

Save the dates!

Open Call Launch: February 3, 2025 (12:00 CET)
Deadline for Applications: April 3, 2025 (17:00 CET)
Need more info? Join us in one of our Webinars and matchmaking sessions: a space for learning about the call and for finding potential partners.

• Webinar and matchmaking session 1: 18 February 2025, from 11:00 to 13:00 CET

• Webinar and matchmaking session 2: 28 February 2025, from 14:00 to 16:00 CET

To learn more and apply, visit: PartArt4OW Open Call

For questions, contact us at: opencall@partart4ow.eu

Participate, create, and inspire action for our oceans and waters!