Rivers teach connection in place of separation: their shifting conditions—turbulence, confluence, eddies, and currents—model the mingling of diverse ecologies of knowledge. Bearing sediments of time, rivers also carry historical and ongoing injustices into the present, holding stories and posing questions about the ethics of coexistence. Amid rising water insecurity and persistent patterns of harm, river rights movements, grassroots initiatives, and water schools around the world are mobilizing to protect and restore ecosystems and relations to them. Academic institutions have a part to play in these efforts as sites for interdisciplinary research, experiential pedagogies, creative experiments, and coalitionary work.
Beginning in Fall 2026, the Rivers Lab will convene UVA faculty engaged in river-related research from across arts and sciences to foster exchange and collaboration across Grounds and beyond. Its activities begin through participation in the CHCI Climate Futures Initiative, where the Lab will lead an international collaboratory connecting hubs in the US, South Africa, and Colombia through a partnership with the curatorial platform entre—ríos. Focused on place-based research, creative practice, and experiential learning with water, the project also seeks to collaborate beyond universities with local communities and wider ecosocial contexts.
To connect with the Rivers Lab, contact Lisa Blackmore (lisa.blackmore@virginia.edu). For questions about Hydrocommons Futures (CHCI Climate Futures Initiative), contact Lisa Blackmore and Sumita Chakraborty (schak@virginia.edu).