In an era where the environmental consequences of modern culture are increasingly difficult to ignore, artists have always been the most sensitive indicators of society—measuring the quality of life and acting as catalysts for change. With this thought, SEEDS was born—a pioneering project that merges art with sustainability, creating a space where artists can explore new, ecologically conscious ways of creation and inspiration.
At the heart of SEEDS were the artistic residency programs, through which 12 visual artists from Greece, Spain, and Portugal embarked on a journey of research, experimentation, and artistic renewal. Through educational workshops, practical exercises, and collaborative exchanges, they explored sustainable artistic practices and traditional techniques with ecological awareness.
This project was more than an artistic endeavor—it was a movement that reexamined the way art is created and how it interacts with the world. By exploring alternative materials, reassessing artistic techniques, and adopting a deeper connection with nature, SEEDS encouraged artists to lead the transition toward more responsible creative practices.
In 2023, the artists of SEEDS dedicated two months to intensive research and artistic exploration within the context of the artistic residency. Their goal was to develop a critical and innovative approach to sustainable artistic practices, paving the way for a more environmentally responsible creative industry.
In 2024, the project expanded its scope as the participating artists traveled to Greece and Spain to share their newfound knowledge with local communities. Through workshops, conferences, and exhibitions, they engaged in meaningful discussions about sustainability and art, inspiring collective action for environmental awareness.
The Artistic Residency in Eleusis
In Eleusis, CHORUS welcomed the artists, emphasizing the need to build deep connections with the local community and explore the intersection of sustainability and collective expression.
During the residency, the artists immersed themselves in the rhythms and realities of Eleusis, learning from the people, the landscape, and the unique challenges and opportunities of the area. What began as an individual exploration of sustainable materials and artistic practices soon evolved into something much deeper. As the months passed, human relationships strengthened, ideas connected, and the project transformed into a dialogue between the artists and the local community.
In March 2024, the artists of the project, together with residents of Eleusis, co-created original works inspired by the city’s neighborhoods, some in situ, which were presented in a unique walking exhibition curated by Katerina Mavridou, an “Urban Museum of Eleusis.”
Through collaboration, questioning, and reflection, CHORUS adopted a holistic approach to sustainability—a perspective that recognizes not only the materials and methods but also the invaluable role of people and relationships in shaping a more conscious future.
At the end of the artistic residency, what remained was not just art. It was a mosaic of experiences, a web of ideas woven from shared curiosity and commitment, highlighting sustainability not merely as a practice, but as a way of interacting with the world, enriched through listening, learning, and co-creation with those who call a place their home.
The Completion: Final Exhibition & Transformative Tools
The final presentation of the project took place in May 2024 in Lisbon, with an exhibition showcasing the artistic works developed during SEEDS—artistic creations, a publication documenting the results and best practices implemented within the project, a documentary capturing the essence of SEEDS, an educational platform with videos and resources, and a toolkit with sustainable artistic practices, available to all. This tool serves as an invaluable guide for artists, educators, and cultural organizations wishing to adopt more ecological artistic methods, and is available for use here.
In response to environmental challenges, SEEDS stands as a living example of the power of art to inspire change, strengthen resilience, and rethink our relationship with the planet.
The project was implemented by the organizations Quinta das Relvas, Oficinas Do Convento, Rural Contemporánea and CHORUS, with co-funding from the Creative Europe program of the European Union.
