About the Open Call

PartArt4OW is looking for interdisciplinary and intersectoral projects mixing art, science and participatory practices in innovative ways. We believe that collaborations between the creative and cultural sectors, the scientific community and the civic society organisations can lead to stronger projects. The Second Open Call Challenge focuses on engaging Mediterranean Communities to prevent, study and tackle water pollution. We are looking for proposals that actively engage citizens and move beyond awareness-raising by combining science-based research with innovative, often understudied artistic practices to co-create new ways of understanding and tackling pollution. Proposals can focus on any type of pollution, such as solid waste, chemical pollution, nutrient pollution, micro- and nanopollutants, biological pollution, noise, light, thermal, or pathogen pollution. We welcome approaches that adopt a whole-system perspective, explore pollution’s hidden and uncertain aspects, and examine how pollution reshapes communities and their futures. This second open call is exclusively for proposals that can host the PartArt4OW Sailing Lab in a yacht harbor or marina during its Mediterranean tour. The Sailing Lab is a 15-metre sailboat traveling across the western Mediterranean from Nettuno (Rome) to Badalona (Barcelona) between 21 June and 26 July 2026, visiting selected Participatory Art Initiatives (PAIs) along the way. During each stop, the Sailing Lab team will attend hosted events, meet artists, experts, and community members, conduct video interviews, and produce high-quality photo and video documentation to strengthen connections and increase visibility. All artistic and creative expressions are welcome, including visual (painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, photography, video, filmmaking, design, crafts, architecture), literary (prose, fiction, drama, poetry), performing (dance, drama, music, action art, street art), and other (new media, digital art, fashion design, gaming). PartArt4OW is committed to making ocean literacy accessible to all, thus priority will be given to projects involving people from under-represented groups and/or groups at risk of social exclusion and discrimination (refugees, ethnic minorities, the LGBTQI+ community, individuals with disabilities, low income families, etc). Special attention should be given to people with low exposure to art and science and with scarce cultural consumption and educational opportunities. Projects are expected to be fully sustainable, including the use of sustainable materials, circular solutions and renewable energy. Proposals, if selected, must commit to a Climate Pact Pledge and should work towards full decarbonisation or at least carbon neutrality of the project and of all proposed activities.

What is Offered

Funding and support to deliver a 6-month project, a maximum lump sum of €50,000 per project, mentorship and training, an intensive 3-day online bootcamp, guidance from experts on participatory and creative processes, artistic expression, and marine/freshwater ecosystem conservation, networking and peer learning opportunities, and promotion and visibility through PartArt4OW online channels, events, and community connections. Funds will be disbursed in two stages: 50% at the beginning and 50% upon successful completion.

Requirements

Applicants must propose interdisciplinary and intersectoral projects mixing art, science, and participatory practices to tackle water pollution in the Mediterranean. Proposals must be able to host the PartArt4OW Sailing Lab in a yacht harbor or marina during its Mediterranean tour (21 June – 26 July 2026) and organize one event within this period at the hosting location. A Letter of Intent from the harbor/marina is required. Projects must be fully sustainable, commit to a Climate Pact Pledge, and work towards full decarbonisation or carbon neutrality. Applicants can be individuals or consortia established or resident in EU Member States or third countries in Europe that are associated or negotiating an association agreement with Horizon Europe. Each entity/individual may participate in only one application.

How to Apply

Applicants must create an account and submit their proposal via the provided submission platform. Applications must be accompanied by a Letter of Intent from the relevant harbor or marina confirming their willingness to host the Sailing Lab. Detailed instructions, including templates for the Letter of Intent, proposal, and Declaration of Honour, as well as a Guide for Applicants and FAQs, are available for download on the website.