Turning the Tide

Creative Actions for Uncharted Climate Emergencies

Mission

Our mission is to harness the power of culture as a dynamic force in addressing climate change. We believe that by integrating new approaches, there is hope to prevent planetary self-destruction and inspire a future that respects both living organisms and nature, leaving no one and nothing behind. By uniting artists with local communities, we can influence city planners, politicians, and decision-makers to rethink their strategies and move towards a more sustainable future.

Actions

Climate and Culture Summit

At the Climate and Culture Summit, set against the backdrop of Glasgow’s rich history in artistic interventionism and climate activism, participants will engage in an enlightening program. This Summit will bring together a diverse array of voices, including key figures from the Scottish Government, Creative Carbon Scotland, and groundbreaking environmental artists and activists. The discussions will navigate through various sessions, each unpacking the complex interplay between artistic practices, cultural planning, and climate justice, aiming to foster a shared understanding and collaborative approach towards climate change.

Cultural Mapping: Research & Analysis

The Cultural Mapping: Research & Analysis initiative dives deep into the heart of communities, employing innovative cartopological mapping methods. This approach extends beyond physical topography to capture the emotional and personal connections people have with their environments. By integrating inputs from local residents and artists, the project aims to create maps that reveal the intricate relationships between citizens and their rapidly evolving urban landscapes. These maps are not just navigational tools but are envisioned as catalysts for future planning and artistic inspiration, reflecting the unique character and challenges of each city.

Education Climate Webinars

Our Education Climate Webinars are a series of online educational sessions designed to deepen understanding and spark conversations around climate change and justice. These webinars will host a range of experts and artists, providing insights into the intersection of environmental issues with socially engaged and participatory artistic practices. The aim is to create a common ground of knowledge and awareness among artists, partners, and stakeholders, equipping them with the necessary understanding to navigate the complexities of climate change through cultural and artistic lenses.

Local Urban Labs

The Local Urban Labs (LUL) represent a network of creative hubs spread across Vienna, Gdansk, Evoia, and Stockholm. These labs offer a dynamic space for local artists to explore and express their perspectives on climate change through art. Each lab is designed to be a melting pot of ideas, where artists can engage in workshops and digital residencies, creating artworks that resonate with local narratives and challenges. The LULs are envisioned as incubators for artistic innovation and community engagement, fostering a dialogue that blends local insights with broader environmental concerns.

International Artists’ Residencies Programme

Our International Artists’ Residencies program invites artists from around the globe to immerse themselves in the local contexts of our partner cities. These month-long residencies are structured to allow artists to engage deeply with local communities, understand their unique environmental challenges, and create artworks that reflect these experiences. The residencies are split into research and production phases, enabling artists to develop works that not only resonate with local audiences but also contribute to a global conversation on climate change and environmental sustainability.

International Urban Labs

International Urban Labs The International Urban Labs (IUL) are designed as a fusion of digital and in-person collaborations, creating a global platform for dialogue and learning. These labs bring together experts, artists, and local communities to share experiences and approaches in tackling climate change. The IULs serve as a crucible for innovative ideas, where the outcomes of Local Labs and cartopological mappings are presented and discussed. This format aims to foster international collaboration, exchanging best practices and developing new strategies for using art as a tool to address the multifaceted challenges of climate change.

News & Blog

Vienna International Lab – Final Event

Vienna International Lab – Final Event

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...

The Vienna International Lab Kicks Off

The Vienna International Lab Kicks Off

With the arrival of Dear Hunter: Marlies Vermeulen and Remy Kroese in Vienna, the next chapter of the Turning the Tide project begins in the Austrian capital.  Turning the Tide is an international project with six partners that explores the influence of art and...

Glasgow Water Challenges

Glasgow Water Challenges

In the mid-20th century, Govan, located near Glasgow city centre, was a bustling hub of industry. The River Clyde was synonymous with shipbuilding, and the term "Clyde built" became a hallmark of quality. Men flocked from the Highlands, Islands of Scotland, and...

Vienna Water Challenges

Vienna Water Challenges

The Seestadt Aspern project, one of Europe’s largest urban development initiatives, places sustainability at its core. Located in Vienna, this district exemplifies how cities can adapt to future water challenges while improving the quality of urban life. A central...

Gdańsk Water Challenges

Gdańsk Water Challenges

This article discusses the challenges posed by flash floods and water management in Gdańsk and the Tricity area, highlighting the need for collaborative solutions and innovative strategies to build resilience in the face of a changing climate. Gdańsk, with its rich...

OPEN CALL – Turning The Tide 2024 residencies in Vienna

OPEN CALL – Turning The Tide 2024 residencies in Vienna

Turning the Tide (TTT) invites artists based in Poland and Greece to apply to the International Residency in Vienna. Do you want to be part of our transformative initiative addressing the climate crisis in waterfront cities through art? Turning the Tide (TTT) is an...

Evia Water Challenges

Evia Water Challenges

In recent years, the picturesque region of Evia - Greece’s second-largest island known for its lush landscapes and vibrant waterfront communities, has faced a severe escalation in extreme weather conditions.  Most recently, in September 2023, a staggering 400 cubic...

Stockholm Water Challenges

Stockholm Water Challenges

This article discusses the impacts of climate change and urbanisation on drinking water in Stockholm in general and the environment of the Slussen-Stadsgårdskajen area in particular. Our starting point is the body of water defining Stockholm – Lake Mälaren. Mälaren is...

OPEN CALL – Turning The Tide 2024 residencies in Gdansk

OPEN CALL – Turning The Tide 2024 residencies in Gdansk

Turning the Tide (TTT) invites artists from Sweden, Greece and Scotland to apply to the international residency in Gdansk. Do you want to be part of our transformative initiative addressing the climate crisis in waterfront cities through art? Turning the Tide (TTT) is...