Soil Orchestras

The SOILSCAPE Symphony is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at increasing soil literacy across Europe by establishing a sustainable network of 8 Artistic and Cultural Soil Orchestras (ACSOs), engaging over 440 multidisciplinary individuals. This network will creatively promote soil literacy and inspire societal action through artistic expression, connecting EU citizens and professionals with the importance of soil health. Among the key activities in each ACSO will be the SOILSCAPE Festival, being a key platform to raise awareness, bringing together a wide audience for interactive workshops, artistic exhibitions, and informative sessions about sustainable soil management. Drawing inspiration from global events like World Soil Day, the festival will showcase the artistic works of soil influencers, as well as host hackathons to develop soil-themed games and projects. This festival will be organized in three editions, one in France and Portugal, and another across the ACSOs’ countries, attracting thousands of participants across Europe and beyond.

What Is a Soil Orchestra ?

Each Soil Orchestra brings together a small, diverse group of 15 to 30 individuals from across the arts, sciences, education, policy, and community sectors. Together, they will:

– Design and carry out creative and interdisciplinary projects related to soil knowledge and preservation, including the organisation of soil festivals
– Develop skills on soil and art issues
– Participate in national and European exchanges to consolidate the projects of the Soil Orchestra in each country
– Contribute to the broader objective of anchoring soil culture in the cultural life of the country, in particular by promoting the projects selected in the SOILSCAPE open calls

Why Join your country Soil Orchestra ?

– For the artists: Meet and collaborate with scientists, venues, funders, and fellow artists interested in soil-themed projects. Gain national and European exposure, contribute with your perspective, and help shape an emerging field at the crossroads of art and ecology.
– For scientists and trainers: Bring your expertise to creative and educational processes. Collaborate with artists and cultural actors to bring soil science into public consciousness in new and engaging ways.
– For funders and supporters: Support pioneering and sustainable art-environment projects. Join a European network fostering innovation and interdisciplinary action.
– For cultural venues (museums, art gallery owners, theatres, exhibition centres, etc.) hosting artistic and creative initiatives on soil: identify artistic performances to host, exhibitions and interactive events that combine artistic creativity and soil awareness.
– For political support for Art-Soil initiatives: Help build the case for public support of art-soil initiatives. Promote policy innovation and visibility for the intersection of culture and ecology.

For all members: Contribute to and participate in Soil Festivals, the first of which will be held in Spring 2026 in Portugal and France.

What is a community working band ?

This group will collaborate with the Soil Orchestra, support its initiatives, and benefit from access to project updates, invitations to events, and future opportunities for involvement at both national and European levels.

This way, your voice, expertise, and creativity can still contribute meaningfully to our shared goals.