PROJECT H2O
Our blue planet is not that blue anymore. In addition to deforestation and air pollution, our water systems have been significantly impacted by our everyday actions. We only have a few more years left to reach the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and there is still so much to be done, including SDG 6 “Clean Water and Sanitation”.
Water is at the core of sustainable development and is critical for socio-economic development, healthy ecosystems, and human survival itself.
Climate change is our generation’s reality. Rising temperatures and increasing pollution are driving more frequent water-related disasters and exacerbating global clean water scarcity, contributing to land degradation.
Responsible water usage is essential for life and ensuring there’s enough water for our and future generations.
Project H2O is an initiative that harnesses the transformative power of art to help raise awareness and advocate for a water-secure future.
This action-oriented and experimental project aims to inform and inspire the arts and development communities about the intersection of sustainability, particularly in the areas of water, sanitation, and biodiversity preservation. It seeks to explore collaboration and solutions to expand and scale arts-driven efforts in these critical areas.
The initiative features a series of community talks—both in-person and virtual—along with participatory, research-based opinion pieces and arts activation exhibitions that encourage reflection, dialogue, ideation, and action. Additionally, a selection of visual artworks will be auctioned to help raise funds for providing clean drinking water to communities in need. Sign up to receive Project H2O updates!
Join us as we dive into alternative and effective ways to increase access to eco-friendly and water-conscious resources while integrating sustainable practices into our art, creative processes, and spaces. Together, we can help shape a healthier, more sustainable future.
Project H2O online arts exhibition features a collection of artworks by young, emerging, and established artists from around the world who share their stories of water and highlight the critical state of our water sources. Visit the online exhibition here.
The Reviving Waters virtual gathering aims to bring together the development and arts sectors, and further explore the intersection of the arts and water sustainability. Featuring works from visual artists, this event dives into creative, actionable solutions. To learn more click here.
As part of our 2024 Earth Day celebration and in support of Project H2O activation, we gathered on April 20th with subject matter experts who shared their insights on water sustainability, arts, and creativity from local, national, and global perspectives. Our guest panelists included Scott Berry, Director of Policy and Government Affairs at the US Water Alliance, and Fanny Breteau, Environmental Artist and former Graphic Designer at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. The insights from this “Conversations on Conservation: All About Water” discussion, along with secondary research, have been compiled into the exploratory paper Achieving Water Sustainability Through the Arts Sector, published in the latest special edition of art’ishake e-magazine. [Request your FREE copy.]
March 08 – April 28, 2024 | 2100 M Street NW, Washington DC , USA
To raise awareness and advocate for sustainable water management, Arts for Global Development curated the Project H2O pop-up activation exhibition at Artomatic to engage the local community and artists. The exhibition served as a reminder of the critical state of our water resources, calling on the arts community to create thought-provoking works that spotlight water-related challenges and inspire collective action.
The exhibition showcased three visual pieces, two of which were enhanced by interactive audio prompts, deepening the viewer’s (especially the younger audiences’) engagement with the artworks and their message.
- To Flush or Not to Flush…That’s The Question.
- Cheers!
- Buh Bye Blue Planet
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TAKE ACTION: Ideas for How We Can All Make a Difference
Advocate for Change: Speak up and influence policymakers to reduce the discharge of harmful substances into our water bodies.
Support Water Change-Makers: Numerous reliable organizations, both locally and globally, are doing incredible work to protect our water sources. Explore their efforts and consider joining us in our initiatives to clean up and restore these vital resources.
Connect with Us: Follow us on Instagram @art4development and tag #ProjectH2O on your social media platforms to help us boost participation.
Eco-Friendly Art Practices: Use non-toxic, eco-friendly materials in art-making, prioritizing the reuse and repurposing of materials to minimize toxic waste. Learn where you can safely dispose of or recycle art-related waste locally (and where you can find recycled materials for your next big project!). This approach applies to all artistic disciplines, including visual arts, performing arts, and multimedia installations
Change Our Behaviors: Let’s be conscious and accountable in managing, conserving, and reusing water daily. Here are some simple actions we can take to reduce water usage and keep it clean:
- Check for leaks in bathrooms and kitchens.
- Upgrade to water-efficient showerheads.
- Shorten shower times.
- Turn off the tap while brushing teeth or shaving.
- Use non-plastic, eco-friendly dental floss, and non-toxic soaps and shower gels.
- Avoid flushing anything other than human waste and toilet paper (this includes oil and paint!).
- Remember, recycling saves water too! Opt for paper or reusable bags instead of plastic.
- Choose glass containers whenever possible.
- Wash only full loads of laundry and dishes with non-toxic detergents. And wash in cold water! (Washing laundry in hot water uses a lot of energy while also releasing CO2)
- Save the water used for washing fruits and vegetables to water plants.
- Consider installing rain barrels to collect rainwater.
- Upgrade appliances (e.g. dishwashers and washing machines) to those with water-saving features.
- Clean up pet waste with recycled, biodegradable bags.
- Educate ourselves about wastewater treatment enhancements, conservation, and recycling efforts in our community.
- Design gardens with drought-resistant plants that require minimal water.
- Check product labels and choose those that are environmentally friendly and water-efficient.
Monitor sustainability: To track your personal water and carbon footprint, consider using online calculators or dedicated apps to assess your overall environmental impact. This will help pinpoint areas where adjustments can be made to reduce your footprint.
Have more suggestions? Write to us and let’s add them.
