On 5 October, Riparia transformed overnight the historic Canada Malting Silos, upcoming new space for OCAD U’s Global Centre for Climate Action, into an immersive aquatic temple, where through mythology, future archeology and climate science, Lithuanian-born artist and filmmaker Emilija Škarnulytė invited thousands of passers-by on a thought-provoking journey. The ethereal projection highlighted themes of nature, goddess energy and environmental preservation, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.

The collaboration between OCAD University and the European Union underscores a shared commitment to promoting cultural exchange and sustainable urban development through art. This partnership enabled the realization of a project of such an ambitious scale. Riparia stands as a testament to the power of global collaboration in addressing environmental issues through creative expression.

QUOTES
"Art and culture serve as powerful bridges across borders, fostering connections between people in Canada, the European Union, and beyond through shared values and mutual learning. Art has a unique ability to engage the senses and shape behaviour by turning abstract concepts into tangible experiences. Riparia stands as a powerful example, delivering an immersive sensory journey that invites deep reflection on our connection to the environment and the pressing challenges of climate change."
– Head of the European Union Delegation to Canada, Geneviève Tuts

“As a vital arts and cultural hub in the city, OCAD University offered two opportunities that spoke to bridging distance and encouraging connection during this year’s Nuit Blanche. On the city’s western waterfront, the cinematic projection Riparia encouraged people to bridge the distance between the deep past and ever-present future through mythology and science, imploring us to steward our earth for generations to come. The Metipso Portal International at 100 McCaul St. bridged the distance between Toronto and a rural village in Kenya, making all of us all too aware of how connected we are in our humanity and creativity.”
– President and Vice-Chancellor Ana Serrano

ORGANIZATION PROFILES
Established in 1976 in Ottawa, the Delegation of the European Union in Canada is the EU’s diplomatic mission with a mandate to strengthen EU-Canada ties, covering all bilateral policy areas. The EU is at the forefront of global efforts to combat climate change, implementing ambitious policies and legally binding targets aimed at achieving climate neutrality by 2050.The EU also promotes cultural diplomacy and effective multilateralism, fostering cooperation and understanding between Canadians and Europeans.

Affiliated with OCAD University, Canada’s largest and oldest art and design university, the Global Centre for Climate Action is a research-creation centre at Canada’s Malting Silos that brings together artists, designers and researchers from around the world to host public events, exhibitions and programs that engage people in creative action and dialogue towards a renewed climate future.

Please find event photos here. Photos can be used for public dissemination purposes and should be credited to ©Vlad Lunin
 

Contacts
OCAD University
Karen McCarthy, Director, Communications and Media
[email protected]
514-826-0597

Natalie Pavlenko, Senior Strategic Communications Advisor
[email protected]
416-977-6000, ext. 475
 

Delegation of the European Union to Canada
Diodora Bucur, Press Officer
[email protected]
613-668-9434