Urban Waters 2026

From 13 March to 12 April 2026, «Urban Waters» will be presented at GZ Wipkingen, featuring performances, workshops, readings, concerts, and art installations along the River Limmat in the open air. This public art festival invites reflection on – and direct experience of – the ecological, social, and cultural significance of water.

Water shapes our landscapes and cities – yet we often become consciously aware of its role only when changes occur. Zurich, with its lake and rivers, appears at first glance to be a nature-rich environment in the heart of the city. At the same time, flooding, periods of drought, and questions of water quality and use are increasingly influencing everyday life. Local waterways, too, exist within the tensions of climate change and resource use. Water is vital: it shapes urban spaces, social coexistence, and our daily routines. But what meaning does water take on when we experience it not merely as a resource, but as a shared cultural good?

With these perspectives, «Urban Waters» transforms the community center in Wipkingen into a place for exchange, experience, and reflection. Through art installations, performances, concerts, readings, and workshops, visitors encounter the multifaceted role of water in the city and in a global context. With 22 artistic works and 17 events, Urban Waters shows how students, alumni and staff of Zurich University of the Arts interpret the liquid element as a space for experience and artistic exploration. Admission is free.

Urban Waters is supported by the Canton of Zurich as part of the #hallowasser project.

A visit in spring is especially worthwhile: On 22 March, World Water Day will be celebrated with a varied and interactive program for families as well as for art enthusiasts.

Dive into the world of water and get inspired!