PartArt4OW Drives Mediterranean Synergies at BlueMissionMed Workshop
PartArt4OW played an active role in the crucial "Mediterranean Synergies: Towards Integrated Collaboration in the Basin" workshop, organized by BlueMissionMed on June 17, 2025. The event served as a vital forum for fostering networking and collaborations among projects funded under the Mission Ocean that are actively impacting the Mediterranean Sea basin.
Representing PartArt4OW, Dr. Chiara Certomá and Dr. Caterina Pozzobon from Sapienza Università di Roma participated in the workshop, bringing PartArt4OW's unique perspective on participatory art and societal engagement to the forefront of discussions aimed at a healthier Mediterranean.
The workshop, held from 10:00 to 11:30 CEST, was designed with clear objectives:
- Facilitate Knowledge Sharing and Foster Collaborations: The aim was to enable projects to better respond to the multi-dimensional support needs of stakeholders, including financial resources, technical assistance, robust policy measures, citizens' engagement, and capacity building. Dr. Certomá and Dr. Pozzobon highlighted how PartArt4OW's methodologies, centered on artistic co-creation, can significantly contribute to effective citizen engagement and build capacity for ocean stewardship.
Map Expertise, Services, and Resources: By mapping the diverse expertise, services, and resources offered by various projects across Mediterranean countries, the workshop sought to foster an integrated approach to the basin's transformation and sustainable development. PartArt4OW's experience in leveraging visual and participatory methods to document ocean relationships and promote literacy provided a valuable input to this mapping exercise.1
- Ensure Alignment and Maximize Impact: A key goal was to align activities and maximize collaboration and impacts among projects that are deploying support activities in the Mediterranean area. Dr. Certomá and Dr. Pozzobon emphasized how PartArt4OW's focus on emotional connection and "sense of place" within marine environments can complement more technical or policy-driven initiatives, leading to more holistic and impactful outcomes.
The participation of Dr. Certomá and Dr. Pozzobon underscores PartArt4OW's commitment to active engagement within the broader Mission Ocean ecosystem, particularly in the Mediterranean. Their presence at this workshop allowed PartArt4OW to:
- Showcase its innovative approach: Demonstrate how participatory art can be a powerful tool for stakeholder engagement and knowledge co-production in marine conservation.
- Forge new connections: Network with other impactful projects and identify opportunities for synergistic collaborations that can amplify collective efforts in the Mediterranean basin.
- Contribute to integrated solutions: Share insights on fostering a deeper societal connection to the ocean, which is crucial for the long-term success of depollution and restoration efforts.
The "Mediterranean Synergies" workshop was a vital step towards creating a more cohesive and impactful network of projects working to restore and protect the Mediterranean Sea. PartArt4OW is proud to have contributed its expertise to this collaborative endeavor and looks forward to further integrating its work within this vital regional framework.