We are thrilled to share the news of the successful launch of the ARTS Project. This initiative aims to reshape our perception of food systems through a unique interplay of art and science.

The event, which unfolded from June 5-9, 2023 in Tiafoura, one of the project’s vibrant living labs, marks the beginning of a three-year journey, bringing together a diverse consortium of organizations: the Geography Institute of the University of Bern (GIUB), Initiative Prospective Agricole et Rurale (IPAR), and ENDA Pronat, an environmentally-focused NGO.

Art serves as a pivotal aspect of this project, being utilized as a powerful instrument to probe into and articulate the intricate nature of sustainable food systems. An eclectic mix of artistic forms, ranging from photography and music to theatre and culinary arts, will be seamlessly integrated into the research and communication processes.

The project team used the event as a platform to stress that the integration of art is a strategic step towards fostering deeper comprehension and engagement with the multifaceted issues surrounding food systems and their actors.

The project’s inaugural year is slated to focus on the creation and deployment of a robust analytical framework. This interdisciplinary territorial diagnostic tool intertwines land system science, socio-anthropology, and feminist ecology. Emphasis will be placed on identifying key actors within food systems, analyzing agroecological initiatives and identifying levers and obstacles towards the transition to agroecological  territorialized food systems.  This year will also be dedicated to engaging with local communities and other key stakeholders,  as well as onboarding artists and communicators to inject creativity into the project.

The kick-off event not only offered a sneak peek into one of the buzzing living labs but also served as a catalyst for reinforcing ties between the teams and organizations involved.