In the framework of the European S+T+ARTS 4 WATER project, GLUON and LUCA School of Arts, supported by INOPSYS are launching an open call for artists.
Pharmaceutical pollution
The condition of our waters teaches us much about our health in general. Every year, the residues of 1500 tons of active pharmaceutical ingredients end up in our water supply chain, leaving their marks on our oceans, rivers and lakes and all its living organisms. Are we aware enough of the environmental impact of the current pharmaceutical industry? Pharmaceuticals are essential for human and animal health. However, increasingly they are recognized as a contaminant of emerging concern to environmental and human health when their residues enter freshwater systems. For example: psychiatric drugs alter fish behavior; the overuse of antibiotics is linked to antimicrobial resistance – a global health crisis; fish and amphibians feminize, become more vulnerable to predators and develop abnormalities in their organs and reproduction. How can we reverse this system and develop a holistic approach that cares not only for humans, but also for the aquatic ecosystem as a whole?
Information about the region
Belgium is a major pharma valley in Europe. While the country represents only 2.2% of the EU’s population, it lays claim to 12.5% of pharmaceutical investments made in the EU. As the number 1 in pharmaceutical R&D investments per inhabitant Belgium wants to tackle the presence of pharmaceuticals in freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems.
STARTS: How is the mission STARTS driven?
A highly collaborative residency with various stakeholders with expertise in wastewater treatment, digital technology, health care, biodiversity, environmental engineering, environmental chemistry and aquatic ecology towards a design of new measures to reduce the pollution and encompass the entire life cycle of biodegradable “greener pharmaceuticals”. As an artist, you will take an active role in questioning existing systems and boosting more awareness around this challenge through a tangible artwork or an innovative application, product or service that contributes to a pollution-free environment. The result of the residency will be shown in Bozar – Centre for Fine Arts (Brussels) as STARTS partner, during the STARTS4Water exhibition in Fall 2022
The budget for each residency is 40.000€, including artwork production and artist fee.
Throughout the residencies, the residency support network will offer the necessary expertise
and support from ICT experts affiliated to research institutions, universities,
university colleges, innovative companies and start-ups (supporting network).
