S4W Open Call Challenge
Rebuilding Relationships with Fluvial Systems
Fluvial Systems as Indicators of Climate Change and its Impact
Cittadellarte // Credit: F. Lava
Host / Region
 | Cittadellarte – Fondazione Pistoletto, Biella, Italy / North western Italy, the western Alps and western Po Valley. |
Abstract
We invite artists to develop a project using digital technology (such A. I., sensors, data collection, mathematical modeling of fluvial processes, infographics and augmented reality), that seeks to reflect on how we can anticipate and adapt to the new conditions brought about by extreme events and the resource depletion caused by climate change, whether ongoing or inevitable in the near future.
Keywords
Fluvial system as a whole: glaciers, snowfields, springs, streams, rivers, outlets
Description of the regional challenge
In the area between the western Alps and the western Po Valley, in glaciers, snowfields and mountain springs, important rivers such as the Po, Tanaro, Ticino, Dora Baltea, Bormida, Agogna and Sesia, among others, are born. These fluvial systems are an essential component of the natural ecosystem and fundamental for human life.
The artist’s challenge in developing the project consists in reading, interpreting and sharing the signals that the fluvial systems in this region produce about the fragility of the environment and transformations due to climate change. Is it possible to conceive of fluvial systems as sentinels of climate change and the vulnerability of territory, both of these amplified by human action?
Region information
The region of the western Alps and western Po Valley is predominantly rural. The territory is divided into mountains, roughly 50%, rural areas with dwindling populations, hills 26%, transitional areas between the rural and urban and highly urbanised plains, 24%. There is an important presence of rivers and streams which rise in glaciers, snowfields and Alpine springs.
How is the mission starts driven?
We are looking for artists who are able to interact with experts from different disciplines, and who are disposed to actively listen to the needs, questions and ideas arising from both society and science and digital technology. In addition, they will be able to translate the ideas and processes circulating within the scientific sector into artistic projects which impact society, inspiring, promoting or continuing processes of positive transformation.
Residency support network
- CNR: IMATI Institute: Enrico Magenes Institute for Applied Mathematics and Information Technology (Genoa)
- CNR: ISAC Institute: Institute of Atmospheric and Climate Sciences (Turin)
- CNR: STIIMA Institute: Institute of Intelligent Industrial Systems and Technologies for Advanced Manufacturing (Biella)
- Universtiy of Turin
- Politecnic of Turin, Department of Environmental, Land and Infrastructure Engineering
- Politecnic of Turin, Department of Territorial Sciences, Planning and Policies
- Cordar, Biella. Aqueduct, Sewage and Purification management
Cittadellarte // Credit: F. Lava |
Cittadellarte // Credit: M. Giardino |
