As part of Transformative Territories, Art Mill is developing the Inter-Species Refuge project. Art Mill has collaboratively created a space for inter-species refuge, alternative and regenerative farming practices, exploration of queer ecology and regenerative pastoralism to benefit local wildlife, flora and community, as well as a safe space to promote holistic health and care for human and non-human species. The ‘living laboratory’ will be at the intersection of science, art and social practice, for research and adaptation to the impacts of local climate change.
The inter-species refuge project began with the rewilding and planting of a nurse forest, located on the edge of one of the largest monoculture fields in the region, highlighting the need for species to find refuge on their journey across the depleted agricultural desert. The hill and its meadows will become a space to explore regenerative pastoralism and agroforestry practices, while new hedgerows will be reintroduced to the land to support biodiversity. The project is also a space for re-learning ancient land management and water sequestration practices, open to the public and linked to the “Houseboat” artist residency space, where various art projects related to the project are taking place.
Art Mill is home to multidisciplinary artist and researcher Yeva Kupchenko, who explores the role of transformative artistic practice in the context of eco-social transformation. Linking the environment to social justice and collective healing, her work is rooted in frameworks of care, solidarity and decoloniality, while her approach emphasizes practical application rooted in an embodied perspective.
In line with Yeva Kupchenko’s artistic research, directed by Natália Kalná, the botanical research team is creating a database of local edible species and medicinal plants traditionally used in this region. In collaboration with scientists, a study of their modes of adaptation will be published on an online platform accessible to the public and in book form. This study will contribute to the exploration and transformation of permaculture practices, agroforestry, the creation of food forests, revitalisation, regeneration and reforestation projects in order to implement the predictions relating to the adaptation of species to the climate and man’s need for refuge – thus creating a blueprint for land adaptation and transformative artistic practices.
Finally, Art Mill will be hosting a residency for artist Iwrds Duniam, winner of the COAL 2024 mention Transformative Territories Award 2024, to take part in the Inter-Species Refuge project.
Read more at the partner’s website here : https://www.artmill.eu/
