SOIL & WATER is a large-scale artistic research project located in the heart of the Cradle of Humankind, South Africa. As such SOIL & WATER is uniquely positioned to serve as a dynamic, modular platform for in-depth reflection on the delicate balance between soil and water - the two key material substances that define and support the continued existence of life on earth. The project outcomes comprise a series of public exhibitions, artist residencies, public programmes including dialogues, performances and concerts, a community engagement and research initiative, and finally, a publication.

SOIL & WATER was collaboratively developed by Prof. Johan Thom (Pretoria), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Basak Senova (Vienna) and the NIROX Foundation in South Africa. The project is supported by a broad range of partner organisations from the public and private sector, including international arts organisations, governmental agencies and funding programmes.  

Read more about the project here.

Soil & Water: Kigali Crossings is an international collaboration between the Nyandungu Eco-Park, NIROX Foundation, and the Soil & Water arts and research project. It introduces an abridged edition of Soil & Water to the Nyandungu Eco-Park in Rwanda, intended as a pilot programme comprising a few artist residencies, installations, and related public events such as talks, exhibitions, and a concert that have international reach and impact.

More information coming soon.

Exhibitions

Throughout the programme, the SOIL & WATER project continues to host ongoing exhibitions globally at the NIROX Foundation and the University of Pretoria in South Africa and Art Rooms Kyrenia & ARUCAD in Cyprus.

Full list of past exhibitions available here.

Residencies

As part of the SOIL & WATER project, many local and international artists will participate in artist residences hosted by the NIROX Foundation.

More information on the various artists in residence available here.

Dialogues

Throughout the programme, the SOIL & WATER DIALOGUES will take place at selected venues. These dialogues will be developed and moderated by Thati Mokgoro in collaboration with the curators and feature leading voices from the arts, sciences, civil society, and government. The sessions will be recorded and published as part of NIROX’s podcast series. FARMHOUSE58, in partnership with Columba Leadership and the Hub Residency, will also host a three- to five-day Symposium titled WATER FUTURES. The symposium will convene local and global experts, activists, and policymakers in order to explore more equitable and sustainable water solutions.

Full videos and more information available here.