Water Talks: Innovating Museum Practices through the Lens of Sustainability

The *Water Talks | Conversazioni d'Acqua* project has successfully concluded, presenting a transformative approach to museum innovation through the lens of art sociology, addressing the global challenge of water sustainability. Curated by Claudia Pecoraro and supported by Acqua Foundation, this initiative, a winner of the public call by Roma Capitale, explored the profound cultural and historical significance of water through a series of five multidisciplinary events held in the spring of 2024 at prominent museums in Rome.

Recognizing that every museum—be it dedicated to art, history, or science—holds artifacts related to water, the project engaged the public in meaningful dialogue about this essential resource. By convening museum staff, contemporary artists, and experts from various disciplines, the project fostered a collaborative environment to discuss and reinterpret historical objects through a contemporary lens. Each session delved into specific artifacts, creating parallels between them and current artistic practices and scientific research, ultimately promoting a deeper understanding of water's role in our lives and its sustainable use.

The participating museums—including the Museo dell’Ara Pacis, Mercati di Traiano, and Centrale Montemartini—offered a diverse backdrop for exploring these themes. Each event incorporated interactive elements, allowing audiences to engage directly with the artifacts and the discussions surrounding them. Furthermore, a sociologist evaluated the project's impact, ensuring that insights were gathered for future improvements.

Through this initiative, museums became crucial sites for contemporary discourse, inviting broader public engagement and awareness about water issues. By positioning water as a central theme across various collections, the *Water Talks* project not only revitalized the museum experience but also emphasized the vital connection between cultural heritage and contemporary challenges in sustainability.