Flow: A river’s story, revealed in movement and sound

Rivers have shaped humanity since its beginning; most societies have formed on their banks benefitting from water resources or transportation pathways. Today, rivers stand at the centre of contrasting visions. For some, they are a resource to be harnessed; for others, a living landscape to restore and protect. They are at the forefront of the climate struggle, capable of both safeguarding our communities and challenging them. So, what should our relationship with rivers be?

We asked artists to reflect on it through the project Flow. This project invited 50 artists to explore the river Lech, from its source in the Austrian Alps to its meeting with the Danube in Germany. The Lech was chosen because its story reflects that of many rivers: it has long been central to the growth of cities, agriculture, and industry. Over time, the river was modified and confined to serve human needs. Today, as climate change and biodiversity crisis urge us to rethink how we manage water and landscapes, the Lech is becoming central once again. Restoration efforts are helping it thrive as a natural ecosystem and a place where communities reconnect with nature.

The Lech River was divided into individual segments, each based on morphological and historical uniform characteristics and represented by time-lapse videos created from Sentinel-2 satellite images, along with a field recording of ambient sound captured on that stretch of water. Musicians were invited to interpret this material and compose original pieces. From headwaters to the confluence with the Danube, artists reimagined different stretches of the river in sound, narrating its landscapes and changes through music. The project fostered an ongoing dialogue between scientists and musicians through a series of collaborative meetings held over a four-month period.

Through this meeting of art and science, the Lech became more than a line on the map. It became a flowing story — one that we can listen to, reflect on, and imagine in new ways. It calls on all of us to ponder: What is a river? And, how far can we go in giving it back its freedom?