Creative minds support sustainable landscapes
The EU-funded PALIMPSEST project has launched an open call for creative agents – artists, designers, architects and landscape architects – to tackle the challenges involved in resilient landscapes. A press release posted on the project website explains the reason for the call. “[R]esilient landscapes are constantly reshaped by natural processes and sustainable human practices (rooted ways of doing things). The disequilibrium within human-nature interactions, particularly affecting climate and sustainability transition challenges presents an urgent call for action.”
Empowering creatives
The open call announcement discusses the important role the agents can play: “Historically, creative agents have acted as intermediaries, communicating their awareness of the environment and the richness of life through their work. Art and creativity thicken and complexify our sensitivity. They invite us to imagine other possibilities, while naming what we value. In this way, they can deepen our perception of the problems linked to the environmental crisis, to provide alternative and unique solutions, and to encourage a culture of change that is positive and desirable.” Project partners will work with the creative agents in responding to environmental problems at three pilot landscapes: Lodz (Poland), Jerez de la Frontera (Spain) and Milan (Italy). “In each landscape, PALIMPSEST will promote collaborative experiments grounded on design, art practices, and architecture respectively playing the role of value-generative agents, alternative futures envisioners, as well as engaging drivers,” elaborates the press release. The selected applicants will take part in designing, organising and developing two residential workshops (summers of 2024 and 2025) in a pilot landscape of their choice. “On these occasions, design, art practices and architecture will dialogue with place-specific needs and broad systemic challenges to imagine new scenarios and experiment with new practices connecting human actions, landscape heritage, and sustainability objectives.” Candidates can submit an application for only one of the three pilot landscapes. The selected teams/groups or individuals will receive EUR 10 000. An extra budget will be allocated to continue developing and prototyping the ideas formed in the course of the residential workshops and other activities. The deadline to apply is 18 September 2023. Three proposals will be selected, one per pilot landscape. The PALIMPSEST (CREATIVE DRIVERS FOR SUSTAINABLE LIVING HERITAGE LANDSCAPES) project ends in February 2026. For more information, please see: PALIMPSEST project website
Keywords
PALIMPSEST, creative agent, landscape, artist, designer, architect, architecture