Tracing the flow of microorganisms cholera and E. coli through Liverpool and Margate’s historical waterways, our performances reveal the intricate web of human relationships with this fluid resource. From the shared use of wells and washhouses to the impact of industrial pollution on communities, the project viscerally demonstrates how water has always been a social connector, shaping the fabric of urban life.
Curiosity was the steady current inspiring first the workshop in Liverpool L8. From cholera histories to unruly water refusing to follow straight lines, our L8 co-creators brought such rich experiences to our discussions about water access, migration, aging and sewage systems.
Thanks @rebeesnaps for capturing these moments!
Our Flow.Walk.Drag. co-creators gathered on a cold Saturday afternoon at Margate’s People Dem Collective HQ. Sharing ginger tea and vegan buns, we dipped our toes into deep conversations about our relationships with the sea, the everydayness of sewage pollution, local ecologies and activist strategies.
The workshop began with an introduction from the Flow.Walk.Drag team. They spoke about the purpose of the project, pointed co-creators towards the live ethics document and offered recent (shocking) data about sewage releases by Southern Water. They introduced E. coli – describing the microbe’s key characteristics, its impact on human bodies (positive and negative) and contributions to science and ecology and asked questions like ‘is E. coli misunderstood?’
The group took some time to imagine ourselves as microbes, playfully imagining what our microbial characteristics would be and the conditions we would need to thrive. One co-creator would be a mossy multi-tasker with multiple hands, thriving in the freshness of the lungs. Another would be a hot, sweaty, shy little microbe, always the last to leave the party. Others were characterised by their faith in collective action, inspired by mycelium and collective care. Rest, recharging and hibernation were important for some, and some would be catalysts for action. Life spans ranged from 2-3 weeks (short and sweet) to forever. One microbe was actually ‘the oldest.’
(more…)A ripple of excitement at the H2O Symposium, where our project made waves with our participatory water quiz! From Panama Canal histories to cholera cabaret, speakers and artists dove deep into Liverpool’s complex relationship with water. Such a joy to see students, academics, and community members swimming in ideas together – from invisible waterways to contemporary ecological activism. We were happy to reveal a teaser of our Cholera Cabaret.
13 February 2025 from 12.00–17.00 at Liverpool Hope University (Creative Campus, Shaw Street, L6 1HP).
H20: How to Open Waterways brings diverse voices from arts, academia, and local communities to come together to imagine new ways of understanding, protecting, and celebrating our waterways.
The symposium will highlight several projects including The Ecological Citizen’s Project, which champions technologically appropriate interventions to nurture positive climate action. Central to discussions on the day will be our Flow. Walk. Drag art-science-activism collaboration.
The symposium will also address key themes in the exhibition at Tate Liverpool, The Plant that Stowed Away and explore how artistic expression can serve as a catalyst for environmental awareness and social change.
Book free tickets here.
Come say hello to the Liverpool team on the 1st Saturday of February, from 11am – 1pm at the Winter Garden. Find out more about the project, ask questions, give comments and browse the Granby Street Market all in the same day!
The Winter Garden is located at 37- 39 Cairns Street, L8 2UW
Granby Street Market is “Liverpool’s most original and friendly community market, run entirely by volunteers”. It’s open on the first Saturday of every month from 10am to 3pm, showcasing the talents, spirit and diversity of the community.