Art4Sea concludes in Barcelona, celebrating 24 artworks and three years of collaboration between artists, technologists, and marine scientists. The legacy continues through physical and digital works, with a Final Catalogue and documentary soon to be released.
On 15–16 January 2026, the Art4Sea team gathered in Barcelona for the Final Consortium Meeting and the Public Event at the Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC), marking the official conclusion of the project’s three-year journey. These days celebrate not only the remarkable outputs achieved but also the spirit of collaboration and cross-disciplinary exchange that defined Art4Sea from its inception. The choice of venue carried symbolic significance: as a key project partner, ICM-CSIC provided the scientific backbone of Art4Sea, grounding the project’s interdisciplinary collaboration in science and allowing art, technology, and marine research to intersect meaningfully.
The Final Consortium Meeting on 15 January celebrated the project’s achievements. Over three years, 24 artworks were brought to life across three Mediterranean islands through sustained collaboration among artists, scientists, digital technologists, and local communities. The physical pieces were realized using practices and materials reflecting an eco-conscious approach. The full collection — including 12 digital artworks and 12 digital twins of the physical creations — is now presented together in the Art4Sea virtual exhibition for Meta Quest, available for download. The artworks can also be explored on the project website and YouTube channel, offering audiences the chance to dive into, engage and connect with the cultural and environmental narratives behind each piece.
The Final Public Event on 16 January brought Art4Sea to a wider audience in two complementary sessions. The morning session, part of the ICM Friday Talks series, introduced the project to researchers, students, and staff. Presentations included an overview of Art4Sea by Emilia Brandi (3D Research), insights on artist training by Macarena Marambio (ICM-CSIC), and the Virtual Exhibition by Gloria Morabito (3DR). Four artists contributed — two in person (Carlos Izquierdo and Michal Trpák) and two online (Sara Bonaventura andSimon Duflo) — and the session concluded with a short version of a documentary produced by 3DR, telling the story of Art4Sea across the three islands through the voices of the artists, their artworks, and the project team. The session was well attended and is available on ICM YouTube channel.
The afternoon session session engaged the general public and the arts community, with invitations shared through ICM networks, social media, and Barcelona cultural institutions. Students from BAU College of Arts and Design in Barcelona, as well as curators and representatives from cultural organisations were among the audience.
Highlights included a project overview by Paula López-Sendino (ICM-CSIC), a presentation by Carlos Izquierdo on his Ustica residency, and a round table discussion moderated by Elisabetta Broglio (ICM-CSIC) with contributions from Jordi Pagès (CEAB-CSIC), Macarena Marambio, and Carlos Izquierdo, plus questions to Lucio Tambuzzo (iWorld) and Vicky Drouga (Atlantis). The session continued with a presentation of works by three artists, each representing one of the islands involved in the project — Michal Trpák (Alonissos), Anne Fehres (Gozo), and Natalia Wilk (Ustica). Michal Trpák presented his piece in person, while the works of Anne Fehres and Natalia Wilk were shown via digital projections, allowing attendees to explore the diversity of Art4Sea’s island-based residencies. The programme concluded with a convivial gathering and the final Art4Sea video projection.
Throughout its journey, Art4Sea’s key strength has been its interdisciplinary collaboration and active engagement. This approach fostered shared experiences, lasting connections, and meaningful impact, particularly on the islands, leaving a legacy that combines tangible and intangible cultural heritage.Looking ahead, Art4Sea’s legacy will continue through the artworks installed on Ustica, Alonissos, and Gozo, and its digital and immersive content. Furthermore a Final Catalogue, compiling all artworks alongside artistic, technological, and scientific contributions, and a documentary narrating the project journey across the three islands are currently in production and will be shared in the coming months, ensuring that Art4Sea’s message, creativity, and ocean awareness continue to inspire.
