Waterscapes: A Tale of Two Wetlands marks the debut ARTSail project in Europe. This multidisciplinary initiative brings together artists, curators, marine biologists, activists, educators, policymakers, and both national and international non-profit organizations to engage with youth and the broader public on both sides of the Atlantic.

The project’s goal is for participating artists, whose practices have long been intertwined with ecological concerns, to explore the similarities and contrasts between two endangered and unique ecosystems: the Venice Lagoon and the Florida Wetlands. In response to their findings, the artists will create new works and develop programming.

The project kicked off with Deborah Mitchell’s residency in Venice, organized in collaboration with artist and activist Roberta Da Soller. With her deep understanding of the lagoon’s fragile ecosystems, her activism within the Comitato No Grandi Navi (No Large Ships Committee), and her extensive network of scientists and environmental researchers, Da Soller was the perfect local guide for Mitchell’s work.

Mitchell and Da Soller’s research will also contribute to the project Laguna Avversa - The Adverse Lagoon: Brackish Choreography or On the Standpoint, an ongoing collaborative effort led by Da Soller alongside artists Danila Gambettola, Alessia Prati, and Alessandro Tollari.

The long-term artistic outcome of this project will be directly informed by Mitchell’s residency and the research undertaken in its preparation. It could take many forms, including a publication, a performance, a multimedia installation, or a combination of these. The immediate result is the video above, documenting Mitchell’s residency and her interactions with an exceptional team of collaborators, including marine scientist and researcher Debora Bellafiore, Captain Rocco Cacciari, videographer and activist Davide Giacometti, and activist Tommaso Cacciari.

This project was supported in part by the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and the Board of County Commissioners, and by Cristina Boeri and Brad Hallock.