The relationship between human beings and nature, technology, and communities, is living a delicate moment where rapid urbanisation has significantly weakened cultural ties and the connection with the natural environment. Recognizing these and other environmental issues - particularly those developing around water consumption - the European Programme S+T+ARTS has launched the open call S+T+ARTS Aqua Motion, a programme that highlights the essential links between healthy ecosystems, social cohesion, and human and non-human well-being, promoting greater collective responsibility and sustainable management of our water resources.

Running until June 13, the open call invites artists from all artistic areas to join a series of 25 12-month residencies (9 months of residency, followed by a 4-month expansion phase), developed in Portugal, the Netherlands, Austria and Italy between October 2025 and October 2026. Nine of the 25 residencies will take place in Portugal, spread across the cities of Viana do Castelo, Esposende and Lisbon, to challenge new artists to develop artistic projects - in the form of installations, performances or functional prototypes - that explore the marine ecosystem restoration, urban water cycles, 'coastal squeeze', water literacy, and the cultural value of water and its defenders.

Each of the winning projects will be supported with a grant of €40,000 (covering the artist's fees, costs associated with participation in exhibitions and public events, and other expenses); access to specialized resources, technological infrastructure and facilities provided by the institutions hosting the residency; participation in European S+T+ARTS network events; and the opportunity to join international exhibitions and events, including potential participation in the Ars Electronica Festival conference at the Venice Biennale. Artists who stay at one of the nine residencies in Portugal will also be accompanied by local experts, including:

• João Pedro Rosa (4is Association)
• Luís Fernandes (Theatro Circo)
• Marina Dolbeth (CIIMAR –  Interdisciplinary Center for Marine and Environmental Research)
• Rodrigo Carvalho (Visiophone)
• Vasco Ferreira (Esposende Municipality)
• Anabela Almeida (Esposende Municipality)

Applications can be submitted until June 13 at the S+T+ARTS AQUA MOTION website. To apply, artists must fill the application form; provide their administrative information; write a motivation note of no more than 200 words; the title of the proposal; and a summary of the project of no more than 300 words.