Consortium

The 'Flying Rivers' International Museums Consortium aspires to gradually materialise in the months and years ahead as the second component-goal of the 'Flying Rivers' cultural programme. Our ambition is to bring together museums and other cultural institutions in often distant geographic areas, inspired by the way in which atmospheric moisture flows transfer water from one part of the world to another. Highlighting the interdependence of different locations and generations through invisible yet common natural resources, the Consortium will create a context of sustained international collaboration and exchange for water and climate action. These connections invite reflection on our shared dependence on the hydrological cycle, our responsibilities and unequal exposure to water-related risks.

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We envision that the development of key principles and pledges will be a highly collaborative and bespoke process of co-authorship for the cultural institutions that will form each partnership, working alongside scientists, artists, researchers and activists. A central ambition is to formulate an International Water Pledge for the cultural sector, responsive to different contexts and capacities. The Pledge would provide a shared framework for sustained action on water stewardship, water justice and the protection of the hydrological cycle. Such action should begin with each institution’s premises, water management systems and green spaces, and extend to its relationships with suppliers, contractors and collaborators.

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The title "Consortium" aims to 'reclaim' the term from its almost exclusive contemporary use in business and finance, and reconnect it with its origins in Latin: 'con' (with) and 'sors' (fate, destiny, and condition, amongst other meanings) – a reminder of our common destiny on the planet, and the urgent need to work together in order to change course.

 

The cultural institutions participating in the Consortium will be announced as museum-partners join 'Flying Rivers' and new partnerships are formed.