Nourishing without trying to is a fountain and a series of three gatherings organised by The Multispecies Collective at RADIUS, focusing on the right to water from a multispecies perspective.

Humans often assume that they own water, and thus extract it from the Earth with all kinds of consequences for non-human life. Currently, water is becoming increasingly scarce in the Netherlands. Furthermore, the available water also is increasingly polluted due to excessive use of pesticides and fertilisers. The damage done is close to being irreversible. Thus, it is vital to develop an alternative view on the right to water. 

Throughout their series of gatherings, The Multispecies Collective invites people to join them in listening to the insects, birds, and plants that reside around the fountain. What do they think the fountain should look like? As a resident who depends on the fountain, it is them who should have a say in the process of designing the fountain. In the end, the fountain should become a safe space for them to drink and wash themselves, as well as a place where they can cool down on sunny days.

AGENDA

MULTISPECIES INVENTORISATION (23 March 2025)
The first gathering focuses on establishing an inventory of the various forms of life that live in and around the fountain itself. How can we (as humans) share space with these forms in an equitable manner? 

LIVING TOGETHER WITH HUMAN AND NON-HUMAN NEIGHBOURS(4 May 2025)
During the second gathering The Multispecies Collective will engage in conversation with local residents to discuss the right to water during a climate crisis. Now that water is becoming increasingly scare, it becomes more and more urgent to think about how we can equally distribute it. What is the role of humans in this, and how can they cater to the needs of non-humans? 

WATER FOR THE FUTURE (18 May 2025)
In the third gathering, The Multispecies Collective intends to engage in discussion with children to discuss the right to water in the future. What do they think: should water mainly be reserved for humans, or should dogs and birds also have access to clean drinking water at all times? Should you, as a human, shower every day? This activity is suitable for children aged between 5 and 10 years. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
⌀ Date: Sunday 23 March 2025
⌀ Gathering: 11:00 – 12:00
⌀ Language: Dutch
⌀ Free of charge, R.S.V.P required
⌀ Location: RADIUS, Kalverbos 20
⌀ Note that the location is not wheelchair accessible. Please get in contact with us to discuss alternative ways to allow your participation.