WaterLANDS: Four-year residencies at six wetlands restoration sites in Europe

The WaterLANDS project is calling for applications from artists of any discipline in Bulgaria, Estonia, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands and the United Kingdom to engage with restoration works through part-time residencies spanning four years (at least one month annually, 2023–2026).

WaterLANDS is a five-year EU Green Deal-funded project that aims to restore damaged wetlands across Europe and lay the foundations for protection across larger areas. The project will utilise lessons learned from ongoing and existing restoration at 15 ‘Knowledge Sites’ across Europe to inform hands-on restoration at six ‘Action Sites’ in Bulgaria, Estonia, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

The aim is for the artist to reflect on the restoration work ongoing at the site, as well as broader social processes, by interacting with relevant stakeholders and communities, including an instance of engagement or outreach each year.

The artist is requested to create an artwork(s) inspired by the restoration activities by the end of the final year, although the form this can take is very open. The project will culminate with an exhibition in 2026, where accounts of the six artistic engagements will be exhibited.

What this opportunity offers

Artistic fee (depending on the country), travel, stakeholder engagement and materials costs (to be agreed in advance)
Working with a host institution(s) who will support and manage their residency. There will also be a coordinator based in University College Dublin who will support the artists and facilitate cross-pollination and communication across the six sites.
Internal travel costs, basic accommodation and daily allowance during the residency stay