From June 24 to 28, 2024, the Intercult team traveled to Gdańsk to attend the first International Lab of the “Turning the Tide” project. The event was organised by the Urban Culture Institute (UCI) and it provided a vital platform for artists, activists, and local stakeholders to explore creative solutions to the urgent challenges posed by climate change.
The “Turning the Tide” project allows international artists to visit local organizations and research regional contexts. In Gdańsk, the international artists that presented their projects, concluding a 30-days residency, were Katarzyna Piórek from Sweden, Robyn Woolston from Scotland, Eva Andronikidou from Greece. In the event, participants from the ongoing local residency Natalia Revko from Ukraine, and Weronika Zalewska from Poland also joined and presented their process. A particular highlight was the involvement of Remy Kroese and Marlies Vermeulen from Dear Hunter in the Netherlands who are well known for their innovative approaches to “cartopology”. Dear Hunter used their unique method to create a detailed map of Gdańsk that integrates geographical, social, and cultural data, providing a comprehensive understanding of the city.
The program of the International Lab was diverse and included numerous workshops and discussions. Central to the event was the theme of adapting Gdańsk to climate change, especially concerning water resources. The “On Water” symposium focused on the impact of climate change on urban water resources and the importance of green infrastructure. Speakers from the city of Gdańsk, the Urban Culture Institute, and various artists and activists highlighted projects that aim at sustainable water use and management to increase the city’s resilience to climate impacts.
In addition to formal sessions, the International Lab facilitated numerous informal meetings and exchanges among participants, fostering networking and mutual learning. These interactions provided valuable opportunities for sharing insights and strategies in a relaxed environment. The field trip to the suburbs of Gdańsk and the nearby city of Gdynia, allowed participants to observe the local impacts of climate change firsthand and engage with regional experts. The field trip offered practical insights into the challenges faced by the area and showcased innovative solutions being implemented.
The International Lab in Gdańsk, part of the “Turning the Tide” project, exemplifies the power of collaborative, interdisciplinary approaches to tackling global environmental challenges. We are looking forward to the next steps of our project – the presentation of the projects of the local artists this August and the next international Lab in Vienna in October!
Photos taken from the participants of the International Lab:
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