Waterfronts Concluding Conference in Zadar and Bibinje: Art, Climate and Community
- Jun 12
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 13
The Concluding Conference of the Waterfronts project was held on 8 June 2026 in Zadar and Bibinje, bringing together more than 100 participants online and onsite to reflect on art, climate change and coastal communities.
A Final Gathering for the Waterfronts Project
On Monday, 8 June 2026, the Concluding Conference of the Waterfronts project was held in Zadar and Bibinje, bringing together more than 100 participants, both online and onsite.
The conference marked an important closing moment for the project, creating space to reflect on the artistic works, community activities and shared conversations developed throughout Waterfronts. It brought together artists, cultural professionals, researchers, local stakeholders and community members around a common theme: the role of art in responding to climate change and strengthening awareness of coastal environments.
Presenting the Artistic Outcomes
The morning programme took place at Centar za mlade Zadar, opening with an introduction to the conference and the wider project context. This was followed by a short presentation of the artworks created within Waterfronts, offering participants insight into the creative processes, themes and local inspirations behind the project’s artistic production.
The presented works reflected the project’s core focus: connecting artistic practice with environmental awareness, marine science and community engagement. Through different media and perspectives, the artists explored the vulnerability of coastal areas, the changing relationship between people and the sea, and the importance of imagining more sustainable futures for waterfront communities.
Artivism as a Tool for Change
A central part of the conference was the session “Artivism with Triangle Connection Necessary for Success”, led by Fred Sanders. The session opened a discussion on artivism as a practice that connects artistic expression, social engagement and concrete action.
By focusing on the “triangle connection” needed for success, the presentation highlighted the importance of collaboration between artists, communities and institutions. Within the context of climate change, this approach is especially relevant: meaningful change depends not only on awareness, but also on shared responsibility, dialogue and collective participation.
Conversations with Artists on Climate Change
Following the break and a pop-up dance performance "Clog dance for climate", the program continued with interviews with artists on the theme of climate change, moderated by Fred Sanders. This session gave artists and cultural managers the opportunity to speak about their work, their research processes and the ways in which environmental concerns shaped their artistic decisions.
The conversations offered deeper insight into how artistic practices can translate complex climate-related issues into emotional, visual and participatory experiences. They also emphasized the value of art as a bridge between scientific knowledge and public engagement.
Field Conference in Bibinje
In the afternoon, the programme continued in Bibinje with a field conference. This part of the event brought participants closer to the coastal landscape that played an important role in the local Waterfronts activities.
The field conference created a direct connection between the discussions held earlier in the day and the lived reality of the coast. By moving from the conference space to the waterfront environment, participants were invited to experience the project’s themes in context - through place, landscape and local knowledge.
Closing of the Community Event Exhibition
The day concluded with the closing of the Community Event exhibition in Bibinje, marking the end of the local presentation of artworks and activities developed within the project.
This closing moment brought together the different layers of Waterfronts: artistic research, community participation, environmental reflection and international collaboration. It offered a meaningful conclusion to a project that used art and science to open new conversations about the future of European coastal communities.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
