In 21st Century, post industrial Europe, shipbuilding, textile and other industries have relocated. Abandoned industrial spaces and folk memories are contemporary tangible and intangible heritage. The question “what next?” is being explored across Europe by artists: intervening, questioning policy, engaging with local residents, diverse cultures, politicians and planners. Six European Cities (Govan, Gdansk, Gothenburg, Limerick, Ostend and Levadia) will explore “what’s next for post-industrial waterfront heritage zones?” Can we learn from partner cities that are successfully delivering liveable communities, respecting the heritage, the memories and the eco systems (human and bio diverse), as well as boosting the local economy? Can artists learn, share and collaborate to transform the narrative for those cities still grappling with questions of land ownership, contested space, homogenisation and gentrification? Memory of Water explores what makes the difference when collaborative, artist and citizen-led visions are incorporated into planning.
Our methodology is participatory arts practice: 19 artist interventions, 8 cultural exchanges feeding into 9 cross- sectorial “city laboratories”. Participating cultural organisations, local activists and key urban stakeholders will learn and share. Artists engaged in each city will lead the exploration and sharing: exchanging practice; learning from each other and encouraging emerging artists to develop their own innovative, creative interventionist methodology. We will share learning through our networks: local/national press and media, social media, academic journals and European cultural networks. International networks (especially our River//Cities) will host our bespoke digital trans media platform: sharing, debating, and exhibiting art works, film and findings.