ART4SEA Project Presents Significant Contributions at Two International Conferences
The Art4sea project showcased its approach to Ocean Literacy and conservation at two major conferences in early December 2024. Both events provided unique platforms for experts, stakeholders, and researchers to exchange knowledge and ideas on marine heritage and sustainable development, with Art4sea’s presentations enriching discussions on these topics.
On December 4th, Art4sea participated in the first day of the BCTHubs Project International Conference: Widening the Big Blue Horizon (Volos, 4-6 December 2024).
The BCTHubs conference brought together over 430 participants, both in person and online, from 39 countries, with a total of 360 registered attendees. This vibrant forum attracted academics, maritime innovation experts, and public sector stakeholders to discuss strategies for research, conservation, accessibility, and the management of Submerged Cultural Heritage. The event also served as a platform for sharing knowledge and lessons learned from relevant projects.
Emilia Brandi, representing Art4sea on behalf of 3D Research, delivered the presentation “ART4SEA: Art to Foster a Connection with the Ocean and Enhance Ocean Literacy.” Her talk highlighted how the project integrates art and technology to promote sustainable practices and raise awareness of underwater cultural and natural heritage. Brandi also emphasized the importance of engaging local populations as a key component to transform public awareness of environmental and cultural issues into actions. The presentation was well-received, with its engaging delivery having a very positive impact on the conference’s success.
On December 6th, Art4Sea participated in the WRECK4ALL Project Conference: UWH4SDG – The Perspective of the Adriatic and Ionian Underwater Heritage to Promote a Diversified Tourist Offer (Vlorë, 6 December 2024).
Organized by the Municipality of Vlorë, a partner in the Art4sea project, the WRECK4ALL 2.0 conference brought together policymakers, scholars, practitioners, academics, stakeholders, and researchers. The focus was on discussing the best approaches for promoting cultural and natural underwater heritage by combining innovation and technology with traditional elements. The conference highlighted the potential of the Adriatic and Ionian regions to leverage underwater cultural heritage as a cornerstone of sustainable tourism.
Art4sea presentation for this event, “Art to Promote Marine Ecosystem Conservation and Transform Islands and Coastal Areas into Beacons of Ocean Literacy.” highlighted the project’s collaborative model, which emphasizes the integration of artistic, scientific, and technological expertise in alignment with the European Green Deal. At the end of the presentation, Brandi outlined the impactful achievement of the participatory cooperation model that serves as the foundation of Art4sea and underlined the transformative role of islands and coastal areas as key contributors to ocean literacy and environmental sustainability. The presentation resonated strongly with attendees, reinforcing the conference’s vision of unified regional cooperation for protecting marine resources.
The Municipality of Vlorë will play a prominent role in Art4sea’s upcoming virtual exhibition, which aims to maximize engagement and outreach of the project’s outcomes by leveraging both digital and physical artworks produced within the project. The virtual exhibition will debut at the Vision Multimedia Center in Vlorë, Albania, with an inauguration planned for July 2025.
Participation in these prestigious conferences not only elevated the profile of Art4sea but also underscored its dynamic role in driving awareness and innovation in marine heritage conservation. The project’s emphasis on cross-sector collaboration and creative solutions exemplifies the power of unity in achieving environmental sustainability.
