What WATERFRONTS Learned from the Co-Design Sessions Across Europe

Over the past months, the WATERFRONTS project brought together artists, educators, scientists, mental health professionals, and local authorities in Greece, Sweden, and Croatia for a series of co-design sessions exploring the intersection of climate change, community well-being, and cultural response.

Across all three countries, a recurring theme was clear: climate change is no longer a distant threat—it is a lived, emotional reality, especially for youth in coastal communities. In Lesvos, Greece, sessions revealed how water scarcity and the prioritization of tourism are impacting daily life and fueling eco-anxiety among young people. The recommendation: put youth at the heart of cultural climate action.

In Sweden, sessions focused on systems thinking, cultural engagement, and nature-based solutions. Artists discussed how creative expression can confront denial and bridge expert knowledge with public understanding—without inciting panic. In Croatia, there was also a strong push to embed artistic practices in policy, planning, and public space.

Participants in all sessions emphasized the need for interdisciplinary collaboration, more inclusive mental health support, and hands-on, community-led interventions. From edible urban gardens to visual storytelling, creative ideas flowed freely—alongside calls for greater institutional support for grassroots and artistic climate initiatives.

These learnings now shape the development of the WATERFRONTS methodology, guiding how art, science, and care can work together to build resilience in Europe’s waterfront communities.