VOICE

VOICE (Valorising Artist-Led Innovation Through Citizen Engagement) is an EU-funded project that explores the intersection of art, technology, and society to drive social and environmental change. The project is structured in two phases, supporting artists as key facilitators of collaborative, concern-driven innovation.

In the pilot phase, six selected ATSI projects are undergoing a structured process of praxis-based research, mentoring, capacity building, funding and communication support. 

This phase is essential for refining the methodology that will later be expanded in phase two, where 14 additional ATSI projects will be selected through an open invitation process. 
The goal is to ensure a smooth and impactful process that benefits not only artists but also the communities they engage with.

At the core of VOICE is co-creation, fostering dialogue between citizens, industry, and diverse stakeholders. The project leverages arts and cultural institutions as collaborative platforms, encouraging an ecosystem where different disciplines converge to develop sustainable, creative solutions. By integrating artistic expression and digital innovation into real-world contexts, VOICE seeks to inspire new ways of addressing sustainability challenges.

"Sustainability is not just a goal; it's a shared journey that involves the active participation of citizens, industries, and communities," "VOICE envisions a future where creativity and collaboration lead to innovative solutions for environmental and ecological challenges." 

- Ana Solange Leal, project coordinator from INOVA+

Unlike traditional, market-driven approaches, VOICE proposes a distinct artist-driven methodology, where artists act as catalysts for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and the development of green and digital solutions. The project employs Inclusive Design methodologies, ensuring that all engagements remain accessible, participatory, and concern-driven, prioritizing environmental needs and societal interests over purely technological advancements.

The VOICE consortium includes leading institutions such as INOVA+, Royal College of Art  University College Dublin, EURICE, FutureFocus21c, RISE and Brunel University London.

Together, these partners are rethinking the role of technology, not as an end in itself, but as a tool for co-designed, socially engaged solutions that respond to the urgent challenges of climate change and ecological sustainability.

Through this innovative approach, VOICE empowers artists to take the lead in bringing together diverse communities, industries, and policymakers. 

By facilitating local and transnational collaborations, the project seeks to build resilient ecosystems that foster long-term social and environmental impact.