City of Zaragoza and River Ebro
SENSE IN PLACE V Zaragoza, Spain (April 24 June 04 2006)
Water
Description of the activity. Water is of vital importance for humanitys present and future, it is currently one of the problems that concern the world the most.
The Spanish territory is not spared of this problem, which affects many regions in its geography and their inhabitants. The past government supporting river diversions and the new one against them have left the people in our region in a complicated situation who can see the river pass by without being able to use it because of a lack of infrastructures. That is why we need a new water culture, one of the developments our society in Spain is trying to achieve. Located at the confluence of the Ebro, Gállego and Huerva rivers south of the Pyrenees, Zaragoza gathers historical and cultural traits of universal nature which allow it to invite artists from around the world to develop artistic projects which will offer a legacy to reflection about the most significant aspects of water and its uses, as well as its essential character for a sustainable development.
The project will explore Sustainable futures in relationship to the diversion of the River Ebro in Zaragoza, Spain. Our contemporary relationship with water will be evaluated through the cultural, social, historical and ecological significance of the Rio Ebro and the region of Aragon.
Zaragoza will host Expo 2008 in which Water and Sustainable Development will be the theme.
Water and the environment
The importance of the water cycle in maintaining living systems on the planet on all scales global and local and its influence on the climate make its role in shaping the environment the decisive role in generating the variety of biomasses and ecosystems occupying the surface of the planet.
Disturbances affecting the water cycle on any scale cause changes that affect the make-up of living systems immediately and in the long term. The adaptation of ecosystems to the availability of water is a determining factor, and so any human interference with it will certainly bring about disturbance in those ecosystems.
Project Setting.
The City of Zaragoza and River Ebro region of Spain.
Water is the key to understanding the ecological diversity of the Ebro Basin, ranging from active glaciers to deserts. The rainfall distribution gradient determines the concentric-ring distribution of the hardwood forests on the mountain slopes, the holmoak groves and scrublands of the foothills, and the steppe of the semi-arid plains in the middle. The rivers with their associated ecosystems wind through this bio-geographic diversity as biological corridors, providing opportunities for exchanges between the various natural communities.
Objective.
To generate dialogue and a deeper understanding of humankinds complex need for water and to awaken the publics awareness of sustainable futures.
Results.
An Education Project in collaboration with Iceland. The Artists projects will take place indoors (public art galleries, industrial spaces, etc.) and outdoors
Target Group.
The city and its citizens. School Groups. International environmental organisations. Área de Cultura del Ayuntamiento de Zaragoza (Town Halls Cultural Department). Diputacin General de Aragn.
Timetable.
Artists will start work April 24 May 4 2006. The Exhibits will open on May 5 until Jun 4 2006.
Old water tanks view
Old water tanks
Old water tanks
Old water tanks
Old water tanks
La alfranca
La Alfranca
La Alfranca
La Alfranca
La Alfranca
La Alfranca