PROJECT H2O Conversations on Conservation
From Washington DC, USA to Paris, France let’s talk water!
As part of our 2024 Earth Day celebration and to advance the mission of Project H2O, on April 20, 2024 we got together at Artomatic with subject matter experts and the community to ignite meaningful and actionable discussions.
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 panel discussion, along with secondary research, have been compiled into the paper Achieving Water Sustainability Through the Arts Sector, featured in art’ishake. This article explores the crucial role the arts sector can play in promoting water sustainability from the lens of “circularity”. By incorporating eco-friendly materials, practices, and processes, artists and cultural institutions can raise awareness of water conservation, reduce environmental impact, and improve resource efficiency and well-being. Through cross-disciplinary collaboration and innovative strategies, the arts not only serve as a powerful educational platform but also act as a catalyst for meaningful action in addressing global water challenges.
Our Guest Panelists
Scott Berry, Director of Policy and Government Affairs at the US Water Alliance
US Water Alliance is a national nonprofit organization advancing policies and programs that build a sustainable water future for all.
Scott leads the Alliance’s engagement and strategy on federal and state policy issues, builds relationships with policymakers, and manages the Alliance’s policy team. He also serves as the content and management lead for the Alliance’s One Water Summit and oversees the One Water Delegations.
Previously, he was Director of the Utility Infrastructure Division, Environment, and Trade at the Associated General Contractors of America. There, he spent nine years as their head lobbyist on water infrastructure and water policy issues, and was the member services lead for water, sewer, power, telecommunications, and underground construction.
He has served in the leadership of United for Infrastructure, the Water Infrastructure Network, the Sustainable Water Infrastructure Coalition, the Common Ground Alliance, and the Waters Advocacy Coalition. He has a BA in political science and geography from the University of Mary Washington.
Fanny Breteau, Graphic designer & artist based in Paris, France
Fanny has been working with organizations convening around solutions to the environmental crises for the past couple of decades, including the Ellen Mac Arthur Foundation, a think tank whose mission is to accelerate the transition to a circular economy.
Drawing inspiration from her art research and practice, her visual design work successfully communicates complex ideas or new mindsets to wide audiences.
As an artist, she explores the evolving relationship we have with the environment. Challenging her creative process by substituting toxic materials with ones that can be transformed or returned safely to the environment, such as water, charcoal, salt, light, paper, pigments.