Urban Waters enters its third edition!
After its first edition in 2025 at Strandbad Tiefenbrunnen and its second in 2026 at GZ Wipkingen along the Limmat, Urban Waters will take place in Winterthur in 2027 during four weeks in March–April. The exact dates in spring 2027 and the specific location in Winterthur will be announced shortly.
Urban Waters invites audiences to reflect on and experience the ecological, social, and cultural significance of water. In the Eulach city, performances, workshops, readings, concerts, and outdoor art installations form the core of the programme.
Water shapes our landscapes and cities, and – less visibly, yet profoundly – our climate. Switzerland and the canton of Zurich are rich in lakes, rivers, and streams. The water infrastructure we rely on every day for drinking, cooking, and hygiene is largely invisible, yet essential to our lives. Water is therefore fundamental: it shapes our environment, our social life, and our daily routines. We also encounter water in all its forms—liquid, snow, ice, and mist.
But what meaning does water take on when we experience it not merely as a resource, but as a shared cultural good? Often, we only become aware of water when changes affect our everyday lives – droughts, floods, or avalanches.
From these different perspectives, Urban Waters seeks to become an artistic space for experience, encounter, and reflection. Through installations, performances, concerts, readings, and workshops, visitors are invited to explore the complex role of water within both local environments and global contexts.
Urban Waters brings together artistic works in open-air settings and is accompanied by a diverse public programme of events. Admission is free of charge.
Urban Waters is supported by the Canton of Zurich as part of the #hallowasser project.
A visit in spring is especially worthwhile
On 22 March, World Water Day will be celebrated with a varied and interactive program for families as well as for art enthusiasts.
Information about submissions
Only projects by people who study, work, or are alumni of ZHdK can be considered. All participation requirements for Urban Waters are described in the document Call for Projects Urban Waters 2027.
Until 27 September 2026, both ideas for artworks and events can be submitted using this form.
Key Dates:
- Project Submission Deadline: 27 September 2026
- Jury Review: October 2026
- Notification of Participants: End of October 2026
- Project Realisation: November 2026 to early March 2027
- Urban Waters Event: March–April 2027
We look forward to your submission!