ALDA Italia has officially launched its activities within the European project CLIMART-D – Art for Democracy in Climate Action, funded by the Creative Europe Programme. The initiative brings together partners from Germany, Portugal, Italy, and Denmark to explore the relationship between democracy and climate action through contemporary art and civic participation.
Led by Wurzburg KUlturS e.V., the project consortium includes ALDA Italia, the University of Minho, and Deep Democracy Denmark. Associate partners include the CEER Foundation, La Piccionaia S.C.S., and the Municipality of Thiene.
CLIMART-D addresses one of the most pressing questions facing Europe today: how can democratic values support effective climate action? To explore this challenge, the project will engage young European artists in a transnational creative journey centred around the question: “Why do we need democracy for climate action?”
Through a series of interdisciplinary artistic laboratories, participants will work collaboratively to create contemporary artworks inspired by democratic principles such as inclusion, equality, participation, and shared responsibility. Throughout the process, the artists will be supported by an international team of mentors specialising in democracy, climate change, and artistic practice.
A key component of the project is the contribution of Deep Democracy Denmark, whose experts will lead workshops introducing the methodology of deep democracy. This approach promotes inclusive dialogue and constructive conflict resolution, providing participants with tools to navigate complex societal challenges through participation and mutual understanding.
The artworks developed during the project will be showcased in a series of interactive and participatory exhibitions across Europe. More than traditional exhibitions, these events will create spaces for public dialogue and civic reflection, encouraging audiences to engage with the connections between environmental sustainability, democratic participation, and social justice.
Activities will take place across Germany, Italy, and Portugal and will include workshops, training sessions, co-creation laboratories, mentoring activities, and both online and in-person exhibitions. Four young artists from the Vicenza area will actively participate in the project, contributing to both local and international activities.
ALDA Italia will also coordinate dissemination activities in Italy, organising public events and exhibitions to present the artworks and foster dialogue with local communities.
Following the completion of the recruitment phase in May, which selected 12 artists and a team of international mentors, the project officially entered its implementation phase with the first transnational meeting held in Braga, Portugal, from 17 to 19 June 2026.
During the three-day gathering, participants had the opportunity to explore the project’s core themes, examining the challenges posed by climate change and discussing the role democratic processes can play in developing sustainable and inclusive responses. The meeting also provided an opportunity for artists and mentors to connect, exchange perspectives, and begin shaping the creative journey that will unfold over the coming months.
The artists will now continue their research activities within their local communities, identifying initiatives, experiences, and challenges related to climate action and democratic participation. Their findings will serve as inspiration for the artistic works that will be developed throughout the project.
The next transnational meeting will take place in Italy in September, marking another important step in this collaborative European journey at the intersection of art, democracy, and climate action.
To stay updated on the project’s activities and upcoming opportunities, follow CLIMART-D on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.