Markus Reymann pt 1 – Art, Advocacy, and the Ocean
Markus Reymann, co-director of TBA21, shares his journey from theatre to contemporary art and marine conservation. He discusses the transformative power of art, the role of storytelling in advocacy, and how his organisation integrates science, policy, and artistic practice to engage with pressing environmental issues.
Art and culture Aesthetics Accessibility Environmental conservation Human-centered design Data-driven decision making Social renewal and societal changeMarkus Reymann pt 2 – Knowledge, Community, and the Role of Experts
Whose knowledge matters? Markus Reymann challenges the traditional hierarchy of expertise, advocating for the inclusion of local and indigenous knowledge in environmental decision-making. He explores how meaningful community engagement differs from box-ticking exercises and how art can bridge different ways of knowing.
Community engagement Interdisciplinary approach Art and culture Aesthetics Local and regional solutions Inclusion Environmental conservationMarkus Reymann pt 3 – Cultural Diplomacy, the Cold War, and the Birth of an Art Academy
Can art shape international politics? Markus Reymann traces the origins of TBA21 to Cold War-era cultural exchanges, where art was used as a diplomatic tool. He explains how these early ideas of cultural diplomacy evolved into a contemporary art foundation with a radical commitment to environmental and social change.
Cultural heritage and diversity Environmental conservation European collaboration and policy Art and culture Aesthetics Community engagement SustainabilityMarkus Reymann pt 4 – The New European Bauhaus, Inclusion, and the Ocean as a Continuum
The New European Bauhaus isn't just about architecture. Markus Reymann discusses how the initiative can redefine inclusion—not just for people, but for non-human species and ecosystems. He explains his work on coastal governance models that incorporate "speakers for the living," ensuring that marine environments have a voice in decision-making.
New European Bauhaus Inclusion Sustainability Human Centered Design Ecosytem approach Nature-based solutionsMarkus Reymann pt 5 – Digital Technologies, Data Sovereignty, and European Alternatives
How can we rethink our relationship with technology? Markus Reymann explores Europe's distinct approach to digital sovereignty and sustainability, contrasting it with Silicon Valley’s extractive model. He discusses the role of digital tools in mapping, storytelling, and ecological planning, while questioning whether technology should lead or follow human thought.
AI and digital tools Human-centered design Data-driven decision making Nature-based solutions European collaboration and policy Art and culture AestheticsMarkus Reymann pt 6 – Art, Empathy, and Engaging with the Ocean
How do we make people care? Markus Reymann reflects on the challenges of capturing public attention in the digital age, where constant scrolling erodes deep engagement. He shares how his Venice-based project Ocean Space uses public programming, participatory art, and unconventional approaches to spark a deeper connection with the marine environment.
Environmental conservation Accessibility Ecosystem approach Climate change and adaptation Digitalization and innovation Policy-making and evaluation