The Elbe River and its surrounding ecosystems are home to diverse plant and animal species, some of which are now under special protection. At the same time, the river has always served as a vital lifeline for humans, historically fostering trade and cultural exchange, leading to the creation of numerous myths. For “Guiding Spirits,” Symbiotic Lab embarks on a special journey, moving along the river between Dresden and Hamburg. What can we learn from its’ flow? What stories can it tell us about more-than human life in and outside its waters, about symbiotic communities, resilience, and vulnerability? Drawing on myth as a guide, Symbiotic Lab will explore the river's mysteries and visit sites of ecological urgency: where hidden histories are told, species are protected and habitats preserved, and regenerative practices are tested. Finally, the expedition team will settle for some time at the DESIGN CAMPUS Summer School and the exhibition WaterSchool to develop a three-dimensional logbook of their journey, merging facts and fiction and weaving a new narrative about the Elbe River and its ecosystems.

Symbiotic Lab operates through research-based art and design to make ecological issues accessible in new ways and implement concrete change. Founded in 2019 by curator Leoni Fischer and artist-designer Jakob Kukula, the lab develops site-specific cultural formats that act as symbiotic structures growing on the fertile ground of transdisciplinary collaboration and exchange with local communities. Recent projects include “Between Roots and Crowns,” a series of art interventions at Branitz Park, Cottbus (2024, DE), the performance “Wild River Prelude” at Toni Areal Zurich (2024, CH), the exhibition and research project “WeWater SpreeVision Osthafen” in Berlin (2023, DE), as well as the MetaMorphosis project series and publication (2022–ongoing, DE).

The project is commissioned by the Kunstgewerbemuseum / DESIGN CAMPUS in Dresden and the Museum für Kunst & Gewerbe in Hamburg connecting their exhibitions, respectively: “WaterSchool. A Speculation in Four Seasons” (26.5.-13.10.2024) curated by Studio Makkink & Bey and “Water Pressure. Designing the Future” (15.3.-13.10.2024) curated by Jane Withers