At T6 Ecosystem, we are proud to be at the forefront of participatory design in the PartArt4OW project, a groundbreaking initiative that unites art, science, and civic engagement to address ocean and water challenges. As leaders in designing and implementing the project’s open calls, we are committed to fostering collaboration and innovation to increase ocean literacy and inspire action.
About PartArt4OW
PartArt4OW tackles pressing ocean and water issues through participatory approaches and interdisciplinary initiatives. The project will launch three open calls, each addressing a unique challenge. Beyond funding, participants will gain access to training, mentoring, and networking opportunities, ensuring a holistic support system for their Participatory Art Initiatives (PAIs).
PAIs will use artistic and creative expression—spanning visual arts, literature, performance, and digital media—to achieve three core objectives:
- Increase ocean literacy by fostering a deeper emotional connection to our oceans and waters.
- Raise awareness of the challenges facing marine and freshwater ecosystems.
- Mobilize communities and stakeholders to actively protect and restore these vital ecosystems.
T6 Ecosystem’s Role
With extensive experience in co-design and participatory processes, T6 Ecosystem brings a unique ability to bridge the gap between research, innovation, and society. We design and implement inclusive and ethical engagement processes, ensuring that diverse stakeholders collaborate to develop user-centered, innovative solutions. In PartArt4OW, T6 is specifically responsible for developing the open call texts and related materials, ensuring these documents are clear, inclusive, and effective in reaching their intended audience.
The stakeholder mapping, which identified key players in the arts, cultural, and civic sectors, was carried out in collaboration with project partners and led by the Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute. This exercise played a critical role in identifying experts and organizations that could contribute to the open call design and dissemination processes. These experts are now supporting the project by refining the open call challenges, enriching stakeholder engagement, and promoting the initiative’s goals.
Co-Design Session Highlights
A pivotal moment in this process was a co-design session, organized and led by Dr. Antonella Passani, partner and head of research at T6 Ecosystem. This session brought together experts, including marine scientists, artists, and activists, to provide invaluable feedback on the first open call.
During the session, participants reflected on key aspects of the open call, such as:
- The clarity and attractiveness of the call text.
- The definition and expectations of a PAI.
- Whether to introduce specific subtopics related to societal and environmental challenges.
The insights gained were enlightening, providing a fresh perspective on how to refine the open call to maximize its impact.
Looking Ahead
The input from the co-design session will shape the final version of the first open call, that will launch in February, ensuring it resonates with a broad audience and attracts meaningful proposals. At T6 Ecosystem, we are excited to see how these collaborative efforts will empower communities, inspire creativity, and contribute to the protection and restoration of our oceans and waters.
Stay tuned for updates on the first open call and how you can get involved in this transformative initiative!