Confluencias
Multiple perspectives on ecosystems
The Andean region is rich in natural habitats, yet also deeply affected by their exploitation and climate change. The interdisciplinary project Confluencias creates new spaces for exchange, artistic research, and collective action. The focus is on the fundamental question: How do we as a society deal with our natural resources—and how can we rethink this approach?
Collaborative project approach
Artistic practice, ecological knowledge, and community
Confluencias brings together the performing arts, science, and local practices and knowledge systems. Within this framework, projects emerge that are deeply rooted in local socio-ecological contexts. Together with various institutions and cultural actors from Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, and Colombia, we are developing a range of formats over three years. These aim to inspire dialogue and artistic research while strengthening the implementation of locally grounded initiatives.
The project creates spaces for exchange and sustainable collaboration. It seeks to enable transformative actions that explore new narratives for the diverse relationships within our shared environment. Confluencias regards art as a catalyst for social and ecological change, drawing on the potential of the performing arts to make cooperation and new forms of community tangible.
© Siemens Stiftung
Project phases
From spaces of discourse to community projects
Confluencias interlinks diverse disciplines and fields of knowledge on a local level while fostering exchange and connections between different regions and countries across Latin America.
Several project phases unfold up to September 2028, each building upon the last while complementing one another in both content and practice:
1. Network and space for reflection
In the initial phase, an initial project network is established, and curatorial guidelines are developed collaboratively. Confluencias then launches a space for discourse and reflection through essays and online discussions featuring experts and voices from across the region. These are published on confluencias.art, which is set to grow over three years into a platform linking site-specific performance practices with ecological questions.
2. Interregional dialogue
Starting in 2026, local interdisciplinary working groups will be formed in all partner countries, focusing on the specific ecosystems and challenges of their regions from multiple perspectives. Exchange and artistic research will take shape through residencies and labs. Forums and other exchange formats will facilitate interregional dialogue, bringing together insights and practices from different contexts.
3. Locally anchored projects
Drawing on experiences and insights from previous phases, from 2027 onward, long-term projects will be developed and realized in specific locations, together with local partners and organizations. These initiatives and best practices will be shared with an interregional audience in a final conference-like format.
Aims
Shaping socio-ecological transformation together
Through Confluencias, we aim to activate knowledge and sensitivity already present within society—sparking a shift in perspective. The project understands humans and the environment not as separate, but as integral parts of shared ecosystems. It highlights the potential of local actors to address socio-ecological challenges effectively and in ways responsive to context.
Locally rooted transformation processes can inspire other communities when knowledge and practices are shared collaboratively. To support this, Confluencias provides space for best practices and alternative visions of reality through international cooperation in Latin America and interdisciplinary dialogues—laying foundations for new connections that can endure beyond the project period.
Contact
Interested in learning more or getting involved? We look forward to hearing from you.
Project Lead
Carmen Salinas
carmen.salinas@siemens-stiftung.org
Partners
Confluencias is being developed together with an expanding network of partner institutions and projects. Current collaborations include Paraíso Club de Artes Escénicas, Universidad de San Andrés (Master’s in Cultural Management, Argentina), Laboratorio de Estudios Ontológicos y Multiespecie (ONTOlab/multiESP), Yvyrasacha (Bolivia), Centro Nacional de las Artes Delia Zapata Olivella, Instituto Humboldt (Colombia), and Centro Cultural de la Universidad del Pacífico (Peru).
Further Links
Website
Social Media
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