The title Turning Tides is inspired by the Dutch expression “het tij keren,” which literally means “to turn the tide.” It reflects the idea that even large, seemingly irreversible issues—like water pollution—can be challenged and redirected through the use of art and technology. 

The Turning Tides Residency was initiated by Katoenhuis, Rotterdam’s IX Hub, in collaboration with RanMarine. The program fosters collaboration between regions, cultural institutions, artists, and tech companies. 

The first result of this residency will be presented during the 10th anniversary of the Toffler Festival at Roel Langerakpark in Rotterdam on May 31st. The vessels can be remotely controlled, allowing festival visitors to interact directly with the installation and its purpose.

First artist in residence—Wes Broersen 

The installation presented at the Toffler Festival is by Wes Broersen, the first resident of the program, a creative technologist whose work explores spatial experience through light and sound.

His piece, SEPIA, is a kinetic light sculpture inspired by the natural movement of the cuttlefish (Sepia), the sea creature it's named after. The sculpture is based on the wave-like motion of the animal’s side fin, which became the starting point for a technical design.

Four of these sculptures will float across the water at Roel Langerakpark, mounted on the backs of WasteSharks. As they move, light and motion come together to create a vivid display on the surface of the water, with reflections playing a key role. This interaction highlights the WasteShark’s core mission: to show how technology and nature can work in harmony.

This presentation at the Toffler Festival is the first outcome of the Turning Tides Residency, which will continue with future editions. If you are a festival, event organizer, potential location or artist interested in getting involved, Concrete Culture invites you to reach out.