International Conference | Wetlands, a Source of Artistic Inspiration

Sala Bortolami, Palazzo Jonoch Gulinelli

Dal 15.10.2026 al 17.10.2026

15-17 October 2026

The 6th International Conference of the Wetlands History Group, titled Wetlands, a Source of Artistic Inspiration, aims to encourage reflection on the vast cultural dimension that has always been associated with wetland environments.

Water is, in fact, one of the fundamental elements of the history of civilisation – an amphibious history, one might say – which, throughout every age, has inspired numerous artists through a variety of forms of expression. All cultures have developed a particular sensitivity towards this primary element: consider the concrete and symbolic importance of the river in the civilisations of the Near and Middle East, the Nile Valley, in the traditions of India and the Far East, or even within the pre-Columbian empires. This element, essential to life, a primary source of food, a key resource for agricultural production and the development of craftsmanship, a place of leisure and well-being, yet also a source of risks and disasters, has inspired an immense body of intellectual and cultural output, highlighting the full ambivalence of our relationship with the aquatic element.

Over the three days, specialists in the humanities and social sciences from all over the world will present their contributions, shedding light on how water has become a central subject in art, literature, painting, music, architecture, craftsmanship, philosophy, religion, politics, cinema, photography, and, more broadly, in all the fields through which human ingenuity and creativity have found expression.

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Organising Committee
Vittoria Bufanio (University of Padua – Italy)
Dario Canzian (GHZH, University of Padua – Italy)
Sylvain Dournel (GHZH, University of Orléans – France)
Gabriela Ioana-Toroimac (GHZH, University of Bucharest – Romania)

Scientific Committee
Najet Aroua (GHZH, Università di Algiers - Algeria)
Dario Canzian (GHZH, University of Padua – Italy)
Sylvain Dournel (GHZH, University of Orléans - France)
Elisabetta Novello (University of Padua – Italy)
Daria Quatrida (University of Padua – Italy)
Bertrand Sajaloli (GHZH, University of Orléans - France)
Nicola Todorov (GHZH, University of Guyane - France)
Laura Verdelli (GHZH, University of Tours - France)