Organised by the CURIOSOIL Project in collaboration with its parners ISRIC – World Soil Information and the University of Aveiro, the event marked the launch of a multi-stage Artathon initiative. Following the opening, interested participants will develop and submit proposals for artworks or exhibitions inspired by soil.

On 4 July, shortlisted artists will return to present their concepts to a jury during the second day of the Artathon. Up to four artists will be selected to fully develop their ideas, each receiving up to €5,000 in funding. The completed artworks will be exhibited in the Interactive Soil Exhibition at the ISRIC World Soil Museum in Wageningen from January 2026, followed by a presentation at the Fábrica Centro Ciência Viva in Aveiro, Portugal, in 2027. The exhibition is also planned to travel to additional venues across Europe.

CURIOSOIL’s mission is to spark curiosity about soil and cultivate a deeper connection between people and the ground beneath their feet. In alignment with the EU Mission: A Soil Deal for Europe, the project aims to transform how soil is valued, perceived, taught, and discussed throughout Europe.

Activities included hands-on workshops where artists were invited to explore soil through the senses. Participants created paints from soil, examined samples under a microscope, touched and smelled soils of different compositions, tasted soil, and listened to soil sounds.

By combining art and science, the Artathon provides a unique platform for reimagining soil not only as a resource but also as a source of beauty and creativity.

More information about the Artathon can be found here.