Soilscape open call provides 2 million for art-based project to increase soil literacy

There is time until September 30 to apply for the Soilscape open call. The funding will be awarded to artistic and creative projects capable of spreading soil literacy and promoting land protection

by Matteo Cavallito

 

Promoting soil literacy, awareness and commitment to soil protection and conservation. This is the main target of the call launched in June by the SOILSCAPE (Spreading Open and Inclusive Literacy and Soil Culture through Artistic Practices and Education) project. An initiative implemented under the EU Soil Mission and funded by the Horizon Europe program.

“The SOILSCAPE Open Call aims to incentivize the integration of arts, arts-based, and creative approaches to increase soil literacy, raise awareness and engagement with soil and their preservation,” the promoters explain. The application deadline (click here for full details) is Sept. 30.

A 2 million euro budget

With a budget of more than 2 million euros, the initiative will support projects performed in two categories: SOILSCAPE and Soil Orchestra. The first will involve the selection of twelve sub-projects on a local, national or international scale within three specific themes. These are:

• The development of innovative communication campaigns.
• The organization and promotion of soil-related artistic activities.
• The use of innovative, creative and participatory methodologies to engage citizens in soil protection and conservation.

A special “Orchestra” of scientists and artists

The second category, instead, involves activities designed to support the expansion of  Soil Orchestras – which include people from sectors such as art, science, education, politics, and social work – and the creation of thematic festivals. In Italy, for example, the project will fund three specific initiatives to develop creative tools designed to raise literacy about soil among children and the general public.

Similar activities will be funded in the other countries involved in the call: Germany, Poland, France, Bulgaria, Finland, Switzerland and Portugal.

Applications can be submitted by individual applicants and small groups of up to three individuals “that can integrate artistic, creative and/or participatory approaches to raise awareness and engagement with soils and their preservation,” organizers explain. “Only legal entities from Horizon Europe eligible countries will be accepted.”

The SOILSCAPE Project

Coordinated by the Société Française pour l’Étude du Sol (AFES) in collaboration with 19 organizations from 11 countries, the SOILSCAPE project was launched in June last year and will continue until May 2028. With the aim of enhancing soil literacy, the ability to understand the value and needs of soils. “Through four transformative stages—contemplation, preparation, action, and sustainability —it blends arts and sciences to foster deep connections between people and the soil beneath their feet,” the promoters explain. That is, in detail, building a network of at least 120 stakeholders in eight countries, engaging citizens and supporting various arts initiatives.