The blue artery, Rhône and you ?

“The Blue Artery” project is an educational and artistic installation co-created by an engaged eco-artist, two history and geography teachers/educators, and their students. This project uses the Rhône River and its significance within the Valais region as a starting point for learning about and reflecting on human-environment relationships. Initially designed for secondary school students in French-speaking Switzerland, it was also conceived to facilitate collaborative workshops open to the general public (public events, museums, etc.). It draws on a carefully selected range of diverse sources, which are then adapted for educational purposes through various activities, and placed in the context of current, socially relevant issues. The aim is to use this project to analyze perceptions (of the Rhône River, the landscape, and water), explore complexity (the intersection of themes such as power, energy, transportation, agriculture, etc.), and actively co-create potential future scenarios from a sustainable perspective. Through this initiative, we intend to offer activities for secondary school students in Valais and for the wider community, including inviting local politicians to participate in these interactive sessions. The objectives are manifold: to raise awareness of the river’s role and its interactions with human society, as well as sustainability issues; to foster critical thinking and eco-citizenship; and to encourage informed debate and engagement among the public on pressing social issues.