Cover image:Chiara Certomà, from Sapienza University of Rome (Italy), coordinator of PartArt4OW
Photo credits: Giuseppe Lupinacci
PartArt4OW Selected as a Leading Solution for the EU Mission Ocean & Waters Solution Library
Brussels, 2nd of March 2026: The European project PartArt4OW (Participatory Art for Society Engagement with Ocean and Water) has been officially recognised as a leading solution and selected for inclusion in the EU Mission Ocean & Waters Solution Library, a curated platform showcasing impactful and replicable initiatives addressing Europe’s most pressing ocean and water challenges.
This recognition highlights PartArt4OW’s pioneering approach to fostering citizen engagement, cross-sector collaboration, and creative methodologies in addressing environmental issues across oceans, seas, and inland waters. By bridging art, science, and community participation, the project demonstrates how interdisciplinary collaboration can drive meaningful societal transformation.
Panel discussion during the First Demo Days in Badalona
Photo credits: Giuseppe Lupinacci
A Creative and Participatory Model for Change
At the heart of PartArt4OW is the development of Participatory Art Initiatives (PAIs), which bring together artists, scientists, civic actors, and citizens to co-create solutions that are both scientifically grounded and socially inclusive. Through its accelerator programme, the project supports selected initiatives with funding, mentoring, and networking opportunities, enabling impactful, place-based responses across Europe’s diverse water basins.
Francisco Iglesias, from Fundación Épica la Fura dels Baus (Spain), in charge of the PAIs accelerator program.
Photo credits: Giuseppe Lupinacci
A Solution Designed for Scale: The Sailing Lab
A distinctive feature of PartArt4OW is the Sailing Lab, a transnational, mobile engagement format that connects initiatives, territories, and communities across Europe. Conceived as a journey-based platform for exchange and visibility, the Sailing Lab will travel across different sea and water basins, fostering mutual learning, storytelling, and dissemination of Participatory Art Initiatives.
The Sailing Lab will also serve as a central stage for the project’s Demo Days, a series of key public milestones designed to showcase progress, share results, and engage stakeholders. The first Demo Day took place in February, marking an important moment of exchange within the project. The second Demo Day is planned for the end of July, coinciding with the arrival of the Sailing Lab at the port of Badalona, and will bring together initiatives, partners, and local communities. A third and final Demo Day will take place in December, consolidating the project’s outcomes and learnings.
Photo credits: Giuseppe Lupinacci
By linking local actions into a broader European narrative, and anchoring them in these milestone events, PartArt4OW strengthens its scalability, visibility, and long-term impact—key criteria for its recognition as a leading solution within the Mission Ocean framework.
Recognition at the European Level
The EU Mission Ocean & Waters Solution Library is a key instrument of the European Commission to identify and promote solutions contributing to the Mission’s objective of restoring ocean and water ecosystems by 2030. PartArt4OW’s inclusion confirms its relevance as a replicable, high-impact model for participatory engagement and innovation.
Photo credits: Giuseppe Lupinacci
This acknowledgement places the project among a select group of initiatives shaping the future of ocean literacy, community-driven innovation, and sustainable water management in Europe.
Current Phase: Evaluation Underway
Following the successful completion of its third and final open call, which closed on 10 March, PartArt4OW is currently in the evaluation phase, reviewing applications from across Europe. The selected Participatory Art Initiatives will form a diverse portfolio of projects addressing key environmental and societal challenges in marine and freshwater contexts.
Antonella Passani, from T6 Ecosystems (Italy), in charge of PartArt4OW open calls and the impact assessment.
Photo credits: Giuseppe Lupinacci
Building a Lasting Legacy
Beyond the implementation of the PAIs, PartArt4OW is contributing to long-term impact through:
- A pan-European survey and mutual learning programme involving a wide range of stakeholders
- The development of a toolkit of best practices for participatory, art-driven environmental action
- Collaboration with key European initiatives, including the EU4Ocean Coalition, the New European Bauhaus, and other Mission Ocean projects
On the left, Maria Hadjimichael, from CMMI (Cyprus), in charge of PartArt4OW ecosystem building and ambassadors network
Photo credits: Giuseppe Lupinacci
By placing participation, creativity, and inclusivity at the centre of environmental action, PartArt4OW reinforces the role of the cultural and creative sectors in achieving the objectives of the EU Green Deal.
Looking Ahead
As the project advances into its next phase, inclusion in the Solution Library will further enhance its visibility and support the transferability of its methodology across Europe. With the upcoming Demo Days and the future implementation of the Sailing Lab, PartArt4OW continues to position itself as a reference model for integrating art, participation, and environmental innovation at scale.
Carolina Dopico González, from Regenera Network (Spain), in charge of PartArt4OW communication, dissemination and exploitation.
Photo credits: Giuseppe Lupinacci