WaterMarks Calls for Support After Facing Grant Termination

Last Friday, April 25th, our grant for WaterMarks from the National Science Foundation (NSF) in partnership with the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee was terminated. This grant was the culminating support for CALL’s ten year initiative where artists, scientists and community members have worked to address environmental issues brought about by climate change in vulnerable communities.

This premature termination comes four months before the end of the 4-year grant period just as research, programs, artistic projects, and community leadership are coalescing. The final installation of two Markers are in jeopardy. No expenses will be processed after 4/25. The planned celebration of our accomplishments and the 75th anniversary of NSF,  for May 10th are proceeding thanks to the wide array of people and organizations who are willing to volunteer their time and resources. 

In the words of Adrian Cerezo, Senior Social Ecology Fellow:

“The sudden loss of support will undermine the capacity of WaterMarks to serve as a powerful convener of communities and ideas. Art is at the core of the WaterMarks framework. It allows a broad network to find new ways of seeing, communicating, and making with each other, in positive, imaginative, and productive ways. It gives space for all actors to imagine what is possible and to build that possible future.”

This termination is an attempt to strip away untold efforts – years of dialogue, stories, research, planning, experimentation, creative energy and inspired creations. CALL is intent on making sure that we rescue these collective accomplishments . We have the will to brace against the impact of this premature termination but we need a collective effort to help us to continue to move this groundbreaking initiative forward.

We ask you to join with us in making sure we can make the thoughtful transition that was underway a reality where city agencies, nonprofits, and neighborhood leaders come together  to continue the WaterMarks process of creating deep change over time.

Please help us with your support: we welcome donations, ideas, or suggestions of contacts who could be helpful. We will keep you posted on our progress!