WATERFRONTS Capabilities Clinic in Lesvos

From April 14–17, 2025, the island of Lesvos became the heart of artistic and environmental innovation as it hosted the WATERFRONTS Capabilities Clinic—a hands-on training and co-creation initiative designed to prepare artists and cultural workers for impactful climate action. Organized by LATRA in collaboration with GOTALAND (Sweden) and IM Industries (Croatia), the clinic brought together six selected artists, two from each participating country, for an intensive, four-day exchange.

The Capabilities Clinic served two interconnected purposes: to train and empower artists in applying the emerging WATERFRONTS methodology, and to refine that methodology through collaborative feedback and lived testing before its broader implementation. It forms part of a larger engagement strategy that includes community artivism, blue residencies, peer learning, and public events—all designed to support climate resilience in waterfront communities.

Finalising the Framework

The first and final days (April 14 and 17) were dedicated to methodology meetings between the project partners. These sessions focused on finalising the theoretical and practical foundations of the methodology, setting clear expectations for project implementation, and ensuring alignment across the three participating countries.

Training in Action

On April 15 and 16, the spotlight turned to the artists. Led by facilitators from LATRA, GOTALAND, and IM Industries, the artists participated in sessions covering the four key tasks of the project:

1. Community Artivism – Approaching creative expression as a tool for environmental engagement.

2. Blue Residencies – Planning local residencies focused on water justice and climate resilience.

3. Peer Trainings – Learning how to share methods and co-develop practices with fellow artists.

4. Community Events – Strategizing public interventions that activate local awareness and dialogue.

Interactive sessions helped participants clarify their roles, assess their current capabilities, and identify areas where additional support might be needed. The collaborative environment also fostered a strong team spirit, paving the way for deeper cooperation in future project phases.

A Launchpad for Action

The Capabilities Clinic not only strengthened the artists’ ability to carry out their roles—it also ensured the methodology is grounded, usable, and reflective of on-the-ground realities. As the project moves forward, these trained artists will lead the way in activating creative climate responses across the North, Adriatic, and Aegean Seas.