Still Here

How does a river flow and weave alliances between humans and other-than-humans? Do we need other ways of rendering care and enacting justice for the SZenne? How do we co-create a living bill as a legitimate gesture of care with SZenne and its allies?

STILL HERE – An alliance of care for the SZenne river is a new study case of Natural Contract Lab (NCL). A long-term artistic commitment between 2023-26 will enable the growing of a systemic relationship with the river’s ecosystem and local communities to weave an alliance of SZenne guardians with the ambition to co- create a Living Bill for the SZenne as an attempt for its legal recognition in the Belgian constitution. The project takes place across Wallonia, Brussels and Flanders – from the source of the SZenne in Soignies to its bifurcation at the Zennegat in Mechelen.

During these years, NCL will be mapping the water and getting to know SZenne as an entity through encounters and exchanges with people and species that are part of SZenne ecosystem. NCL activates their practice through public moments in the format of Walking-with, River Agora’s and SZenne Guardian’s Schools. The last year consists of a gesture of care, a ceremony to support the reopening of a part of the SZenne in Brussels in Yzer.

Natural Contract Lab was founded in 2021 by Maria Lucia Cruz Correia in ongoing co-creation with a transdisciplinary group, including the SZenne (ally), vinny jones (sensory scenography / dramaturgy), Brunilda Pali (restorative justice), Lode Vranken (design / philosophy), Margarida Mendes (research / sonic guidance).