ARTPORT_making waves – Art for Ocean Action

ARTPORT_making waves is an international nonprofit cultural platform that uses contemporary art, scientific collaboration and environmental education to inspire action for healthier oceans and a more sustainable planet. Founded in 2006, ARTPORT connects artists, curators, scientists, educators, policymakers and local communities through creative projects addressing climate change, ocean conservation and environmental responsibility.

WE ARE OCEAN – Connecting Art and Marine Science

At the heart of ARTPORT's ocean-related work is WE ARE OCEAN, an international interdisciplinary program launched in 2019. The initiative brings together artists, marine scientists, students and communities to explore humanity's relationship with the ocean and the consequences of environmental change. Through exhibitions, film screenings, workshops, performances and public discussions, WE ARE OCEAN transforms scientific knowledge into experiences that encourage people to reflect, participate and act. The program has developed activities in cities including Berlin, Venice and Marseille, connecting cultural institutions and scientific partners across borders.

Ocean Literacy for Young People

Education is a central part of ARTPORT's mission. Through the WE ARE OCEAN_Blaupause projects, students collaborate with artists and scientists to investigate the relationships between rivers, coastal environments, climate change and the ocean. These activities demonstrate that ocean protection begins far beyond the coastline. Even communities living inland influence marine ecosystems through the choices they make. Projects in German schools encourage young people to express environmental concerns creatively and develop a stronger understanding of the ocean's importance.

Amplifying Communities and Environmental Voices

ARTPORT also works internationally to bring attention to communities affected by environmental destruction. Its WE ARE OCEAN program in Brazil has explored the impacts of oil extraction on traditional and Afro-Brazilian communities, combining artistic storytelling with environmental dialogue. The organization emphasizes collaboration, inclusion and the importance of local and Indigenous knowledge in discussions about environmental protection.

Creating Change Through Culture

ARTPORT works with museums, schools, research institutions, international organizations and environmental partners to connect culture with practical sustainability goals. Its projects aim to make complex environmental issues accessible to broader audiences while encouraging cooperation across disciplines. By bringing creativity and scientific understanding together, ARTPORT_making waves demonstrates that protecting the ocean is not only a scientific or political challenge. It is also a cultural responsibility that begins with awareness, imagination and collective action.

Photo Credits by: ©ARTPORT
https://artport-project.org/