Putting people at the heart of climate action

Climate change is often discussed in global terms—rising sea levels, international agreements, and carbon emissions. But its impacts are felt locally and personally, and they do not affect everyone equally. Vulnerable and marginalized communities are frequently the most exposed to environmental risks and the least equipped to cope with them. The WATERFRONTS project is founded on a deep commitment to social inclusion, ensuring that those most affected by climate change are at the very center of the conversation and the solution.

The project is not just for communities, but by communities. It seeks to actively engage and empower specific groups who are often left out of the discourse, making them co-creators in the journey towards resilience.

Empowering young creatives

Young people today face a dual challenge: a precarious job market and the looming threat of climate change, which fuels significant eco-anxiety. WATERFRONTS directly supports emerging artists and cultural professionals (ages 21-30) in the waterfront cities of Gothenburg, Lesvos, and Zadar. The project will provide them with:

• New skills: Training at the intersection of art, marine science, and community-based care.

• Opportunities: Paid residencies and workshops to produce innovative work.

• Networks: Connections with peers, experts, and institutions across Europe. By investing in the next generation of cultural leaders, WATERFRONTS is nurturing the talent that will drive sustainable innovation and shape the future of Europe's cultural sector.

Engaging marginalized residents

The project has a core mission to work with and for marginalized citizens in the participating waterfront regions. This includes:

• People with disabilities, who face heightened vulnerability during climate emergencies.

• Refugees and minorities, who often encounter barriers to social and cultural participation.

• Those with low socio-economic status, who may lack the resources to adapt to climate impacts.

• Women and young female creatives, who can face obstacles in cultural representation and innovation.

WATERFRONTS is committed to ensuring at least 50% of its participants come from these groups. Through inclusive co-creation workshops and community events, the project provides a platform for their unique experiences and perspectives to be heard, valued, and transformed into powerful artistic and policy statements. This is about more than just participation; it's about shifting power and fostering a sense of belonging and ownership.

Building a coalition for change

Beyond artists and local residents, WATERFRONTS is building a broad coalition that includes:

• Cultural and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs): Creating local ecosystems of collaboration.

• Local Authorities and Policymakers: Translating community-driven solutions into tangible policy recommendations.

• Foundations and EU-wide Networks: Ensuring the project's impact is sustained and scaled up.

By bringing these diverse voices together, WATERFRONTS creates a powerful ripple effect. It ensures that the solutions developed are not only creative and innovative but also equitable, relevant, and deeply rooted in the needs of the people they are meant to serve. This is how we build a truly resilient future for our waterfronts—together.