Art4Sea was presented at the Creative Europe INFO DAY in Nuoro and at the European Researchers’ Night in Calabria, showcasing its collaborative approach and innovative virtual exhibitions to raise awareness on ocean sustainability.
On 24 September 2025, Art4Sea was among the projects presented at the Creative Europe INFO DAY, organized by the Municipality of Nuoro with Focus Europe ETS. The event, dedicated to the International Cooperation Projects line of the Creative Europe Programme, was part of the European Researchers’Night in Nuoro, linking research and culture to raise public awareness and foster dialogue between science and society. The INFO DAY offered participants a concrete overview of funding opportunities and highlighted success stories that can inspire new ideas.
Art4Sea was introduced alongside other initiatives funded under the same line — CONTESTED DESIRES, DANCE WELL, Street Harmony, and PERFARE — as an example of how European cooperation can generate cultural impact at different scales, from large to small. Project Coordinator Emilia Brandi (3D Research) underlined the collaborative spirit of Art4Sea, shaped by the expertise of its partners, the creativity of selected artists, and the active involvement of communities in Gozo, Alonissos, and Ustica, which hosted the artistic residencies. She also recalled the recent Grand Event in Ustica as a key moment celebrating the project’s achievements.
Just two days later, on 26 September, Art4Sea was also featured at the European Researchers’ Night “SuperScienceMe” hosted by the University of Calabria. This annual EU-wide initiative turns campuses and cities across Europe into open spaces for dialogue between science and society, with over 200 activities taking place in Italy alone. SuperScienceMe, led by Unical together with other universities, the CNR, and the Calabria Region, combines hands-on research experiences, technology exhibitions, and cultural events. The day began at the University with workshops, experiments, and interactive spaces such as the EU Space, the Innovation Space, and the “University for Children” area.
Within this vibrant setting, 3D Research engaged students in an immersive journey through Art4Sea’s results. Using MetaQuest headsets and a dedicated space in the Meta Horizon metaverse, visitors could explore the virtual exhibition, travel virtually to Gozo, Alonissos, and Ustica, and discover the artworks created by the resident artists. The experience was enriched by the screening of an awareness video on ocean health, produced together with the Institut de Ciències del Mar – CSIC.
Two dissemination spaces were set up for the occasion: a reserved classroom in Unical’s iconic “cube buildings,” where students were guided through the different dimensions of the project, and a stand in the Innovation Space along the campus bridge, open to all visitors. Here, participants could freely dive into the VR exhibition and experience Art4Sea’s blend of art, science, and technology.Across both events, Art4Sea stood out as a project that not only produces artistic and cultural value, but also engages citizens, students, and communities in reflecting on the pressing issue of ocean sustainability.
