SOILSCAPE seeks to understand and build on the current societal perceptions and relationship between people and soil. At its core, it will establish a self-sustaining network of eight Soils and Arts Orchestras, bringing together over 440 multidisciplinary actors across Europe to raise soil literacy and engagement. Through dynamic and transparent open call initiatives, the project will harness the power of art to deepen public understanding of soils – Earth’s most vital resource. It aims to empower more than 5,000 citizens and professionals to actively care for soils, while showcasing successful initiatives to a wider audience, reaching at least 20,000 participants annually at the 10 Soil Festivals. Extending its symphony beyond Europe to 30 regions worldwide, SOILSCAPE becomes a beacon of hope, reminding the world to treasure and protect the foundation of life itself.

The SOILSCAPE Open Call supports a diverse portfolio of 36 projects that connect soil, science, arts and citizen engagement to make soil more visible and relevant in people’s everyday lives. By fostering creative approaches and participatory practices, the initiative aims to raise awareness of soil’s importance for climate, biodiversity, food systems and overall wellbeing, while encouraging citizens to actively contribute to its protection.

Aligned with the EU Mission “A Soil Deal for Europe”, the Open Call addresses key challenges such as reducing desertification and erosion, conserving soil organic carbon, improving soil structure and biodiversity, reducing pollution, limiting soil sealing and lowering the EU’s global soil footprint. It also promotes soil literacy and integrates arts into soil-related communication and activities, creating meaningful connections between people and the ground beneath them.