After a successful first Confluence of European Water Bodies in September 2023 on the shores of the Mar Menor, we are proud to announce a new edition of this watery nomad conference. From October 3–6, 2024, the second Confluence of European Water Bodies will take place in Venice, hosted by TBA21–Academy’s Ocean Space.

The program in Venice emerges from the many water bodies participating in the Confluence. It was co-developed with NICHE (Ca' Foscari University) and Italian Buddhist Union (UBI) and in fundamental dialogue with local activist associations Comitato per le Grave di Ciano (River Piave) and Poveglia per Tutti (Venice Lagoon). 

Water is essential for all life on Earth, yet its importance is often overlooked in political decision-making. The Confluence of European Water Bodies was created in response to the increasing water challenges and the need for water democracy around the world. It aims to deepen the understanding of the ‘Rights of Nature’ in Europe from a cultural perspective. This initiative is made up of more than 25 grassroots communities consisting of artists, activists, lawyers, and ecologists representing seas, lakes, rivers, lagoons, and glaciers from across Europe. The community seeks to promote new dialogues and relationships with water, with the ultimate goal of developing new strategies for effectively representing water in Europe’s cultural, legal, and political arenas.

The Confluence of European Water Bodies 2024 is part of the closing events of the exhibition Re-stor(y)ing Oceania (March 23–October 13, 2024) at Ocean Space Venice, curated by Bougainville-born artist Taloi Havini and comprising artworks by Latai Taumoepeau and Elisapeta Hinemoa Heta.