Open-air works of art on the banks of Lake Geneva and a month-long programme of activities in partnership with scientific and environmental associations, to connect with the lake and its biodiversity.

The second edition of the (re)connecting.earth biennial of art and urban nature aims to (re)focus attention on the natural elements that make up our urban environment. After exploring urban gardens and eco-neighbourhoods in 2021, the 2023 biennial of art and urban nature is taking shape around the theme of lakes and water.

Organised in collaboration with artistic and environmental associations and institutions, the biennial will feature works of art created by 32 local and international artists. In addition to the public art exhibition, a 30-day programme is on offer to visitors, including workshops, performances, screenings and lectures. A competition for young artists, bringing together 20 young artists from five Swiss art colleges, also provides an opportunity to discover up-and-coming talent in the field of environmental art.

The main focus of the biennial is Geneva's harbour, with art installations all within a five-minute walk of the "Mouettes genevoises" boat harbours. From the Eaux-Vives beach, to the Bateau Genève, via the Quai Gustave-Ador, to the Bains des Pâquis, the layout of the works and the focus will also give pride of place to places rich in biodiversity, such as the Pointe à la Bise and the Lac des Vernes.

(re)connecting.earth (02) – Beyond Water offers a unique experience for the public, enabling them to discover the works in a stimulating natural and social context. These spaces have a long history, and are at the heart of life in Geneva – providing an ideal setting for stimulating discussion and reflection on contemporary environmental issues.

In addition to the new works created specifically for the event and the projects presented by partners, the cartography, exhibition guide, and signage highlight nature projects in the city, as well as a selection of existing public works. This opening encourages an interdisciplinary approach to art and nature in the city, highlighting sustainable practices, and creating links between art and science to offer new angles of approach.

(re)connecting.earth (02) – Beyond Water highlights current offerings, and creates synergies to give these initiatives and existing public works visibility to other audiences. By highlighting artistic practices combined with scientific initiatives, the biennial encourages collective reflection on our role as individuals and as a society in protecting and preserving nature in the city.

Artists : Maria Thereza Alves, Caroline Bachmann, Flurina Badel & Jérémie Sarbach, Mauren Brodbeck, Seba Calfuqueo, Luis Camnitzer, Luis & Gabo Camnitzer, Gabo Camnitzer & Lluís Alexandre Casanovas Blanco, Julian Charrière, Mark Dion, Collectif Tchan-Zâca, Andreas Greiner & Takafumi Tsukamoto, Valérie Favre, Anne-Laure Franchette & Manon Briod, Anne-Laure Franchette & Géraldine Honauer, Marie Griesmar, Hans Haacke, Christina Hemauer & Roman Keller, Monica Ursina Jäger, Alexandre Joly, Diana Lelonek, Diana Lelonek & Denim Szram, Antje Majewski, Adrien Missika, Lucie Morat, Ma Neveu, Uriel Orlow, Carmen Perrin, Som Supaparinya, Raul Walch, Pinar Yoldas, Zheng Bo.

Curator : Bernard Vienat