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!
