Awakening sleeping beauties: how art strengthens the impact of investments in Nature-based Solutions

How can art contribute to making investing in nature not only effective, but also beautiful, meaningful and sustainable? Organised in the framework of the Sleeping Beauty EU project, this webinar explores the role of artistic and cultural practices in public engagement and in supporting the long-term integration of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in cities and communities.

Across Europe, Nature-based Solutions are increasingly recognised for their contribution to biodiversity, resilience and well-being. Yet their long-term success also depends on the translation of financial investment in NbS into lived, valued and cared-for spaces, spaces that allow people to connect, care and recognise their value in everyday life. Therefore, investing in nature is not only a question of funding infrastructure, but also a question of investing in social meaning, cultural value and collective stewardship.

In this context, art can play a key role: it can reveal the beauty of nature-based transformation, make complex environmental challenges tangible and emotional, and open new spaces for dialogue between citizens, practitioners, researchers and public authorities. Building on Sleeping Beauty’s vision of awakening the beauty of neglected spaces, the debate examines beauty not as an ornament, but as a driver of attachment, participation and shared ownership.

Over one hour and thirty minutes, the webinar brings together speakers from public authorities, creative practitioners and architects, as well as organisations working at the intersection of art, innovation and ecological transition. By connecting practice, reflection and exchange, it aims to inspire a broader conversation on how art can help Nature-based Solutions become not only sustainable and inclusive, but also beautiful in ways that foster long-term public engagement and lasting transformation.

This event is addressed to local and regional public authorities, urban planners, architects, landscape designers, creative practitioners, researchers and civil society organisations interested in Nature-based Solutions and public engagement. To encourage active participation, the session combines speakers’ contributions with interactive formats such as live polls, moderated audience questions and answers and chat-based exchanges. These moments enable participants to share experiences, react to the discussion and contribute their own perspectives on how art can support the meaningful, beautiful and lasting integration of NbS.