Art and Culture for Ocean Literacy
THE BLUE LAB PROJECT
Blue Lab is an interdisciplinary cultural initiative that connects art, science, and society to strengthen our relationship with rivers and oceans. Developed by Escuna Criativa e.V., Protagon e.V., and a network of international partners, the project is part of the UN Decade of Ocean Science and officially recognised by IOC UNESCO.
Taking place between July and December 2026 across Frankfurt, the Rhine-Main region, and Salvador da Bahia, Blue Lab creates a transnational dialogue between Europe and the Global South. It follows a “source-to-sea” perspective, highlighting how rivers connect urban life to global ocean systems and emphasizing our shared responsibility for protecting aquatic ecosystems.
At its core, Blue Lab aims to use a socio-cultural programme to help people better understand how their everyday lives affect the ocean—and how these impacts, in turn, shape their own lives—thereby fostering a more climate-conscious society. Through artistic practices such as theatre, music, visual arts, and participatory formats, Blue Lab translates complex scientific knowledge into accessible and engaging experiences. As an open and inclusive platform, it brings together diverse communities—including citizens, young people, cultural professionals, scientists, and underrepresented groups—to foster dialogue, learning, and collective action.
More than a project, Blue Lab is a collaborative movement that bridges knowledge, creativity, and social engagement to inspire a more conscious, connected, and sustainable relationship with water.
JULY/AUGUST 2026 | SOMMERWERFT FESTIVAL
BLUE LAB –the Ocean starts in Frankfurt
July/August 2026: During the Sommerwerft Festival, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, there will be five days of ocean literacy activities, including documentaries, exhibitions, science cafés and round tables, as well as theatre performances, concerts and art installations, creative workshops, participatory artworks and river-related experiences. This is organised by a European-wide Network of Partners whos mission it is to bring the Ocean closer to the general public, thorugh culture and arts.
AUGUST 2026
#2 BLUE LAB – LOCAL ACTION
Youth-focused workshops in rural Hesse primary schools. Playful water learning meets creative expression, empowering the next generation through art and climate protection.
#3 BLUE LAB- DIVERSITY
September 2026:
International Frauen* Theaterfestival
A two-day series of events on gender and ocean literacy as part of the International Women's Theatre Festival in Frankfurt, focusing on gender equality, education and environmental justice.
October–December 2026:
Escuna Criativa
Ten workshops in Salvador da Bahia (Brazil), in partnership with the Federal University of Bahia, combining theatre and ocean literacy to link the coastal realities of the Global South with European urban contexts.