OUR ACTIONS
From Europe’s art scene
to the rural corners of Central Africa
01
Our event – Winter 2021
Our contemporary art exhibition will present 20 renowned artists from Cameroon and Luxembourg in a prestigious exhibition space in Luxembourg.
The exhibition will run for one week, Dec 1-5. The exhibition will kick off with a members-only event, followed by a vernissage and a Gala Dinner.
The exhibition will be open to the general public throughout the day; while a total of 400 leaders, politicians and press will be invited to the invitation-only evening events.
Donors will have 50 water-themed pieces to choose from to add to their collection, some through a live auction which will be held during a dedicated closing event.
02
Our Actions on the Ground
Proceeds from the launch event will go towards co-funding of 40 water wells in rural villages of Cameroon in partnership with selected districts ready to tackle proactively the Water plight.
The 40 water accesses will provide safe drinking water to tens of thousands of people. Local communities will be trained on how to manage the maintenance of the wells to ensure that the action is sustainable. We aim to start building these wells in 2022.
A film team will join us to produce a short-film to raise awareness about the What Water initiative.
DONATE AND JOIN OUR TEAM – BE PART OF OUR INITIATIVE
FAQs
1. Why water?
Water is the most readily available resource in the world, yet 800 million people lack access to clean water, and over 2 billion people lack access to a toilet. Solving the water crisis unlocks the economic potential of hundreds of millions of girls and women, freeing up 200 million hours a day. For every $1 invested in water and sanitation provides a $4 economic return from lower health costs, increased productivity and fewer premature deaths. Unlocking access to water unlocks many other global crisis, including healthcare and education.
2. How is this different from other, more established organizations such as Water.org?
What Water uses a universal language, art, to raise funding for the water crisis. It benefits from being domiciled in an efficient and resourceful country, Luxembourg. Its size makes it nimble and able to reach the ground at record costs. Most importantly, What Water is actually on the ground operating in a direct model with limited intermediaries, which can often lead to a loss in time or resources. Our focus is Central Africa which features areas which are most deprived of access to clean water.
3. Why choose Art to raise funds?
Art is a universal language that brings everyone together. It’s a catalyst to creating sustainable change. Art serves as a form to educate clients, so the message lives on. What Water recognizes that we live in a transactional society; our mission is not to sell art to our customers, rather for our clients to invest in selective Art whilst unlocking the potential of women and children.
4. Why Luxembourg?
Luxembourg, one of EU’s founding states is a bustling country which attracts people from around the world. 170 nationalities for over 600 000 inhabitants. It serves as a multicultural cross road in Europe and beyond. As a financial hub, Luxembourg presents a natural interest in investments, including Art. Finally, the government encourages national and international humanitarian initiatives.
5. How many people do you plan to reach on the ground?
1 million people by 2027.
6. How will the funds be raised and how will they be used?
Funds are raised in three ways: proceeds from the sale of art, proceeds from donations of private members or corporate corporations, and proceeds from our events.
The funds raised will be used to participate in the effort to build water fountains and wells directly on the ground in Central Africa. As the association develops, it will be expanding our work throughout the continent.
7. What percentage of the proceeds will reach the ground?
75 percent of the proceeds to reach the ground directly. The remaining 25 percent will be used to cover the costs of running the exhibitions and the administrative costs associated with operating the association.
8. What’s the first target country and why?
The heart of Central Africa is the first target country: Cameroon. What Water has a solid understanding of how the country operates, with direct links to mayors, communes and local experts. What Water has partnered with communes to ensure that the populations are organized to care for the water infrastructures co-financed and initiated by What Water.
9. How are water wells built?
Established local experts will help What Water identify the best locations for the water wells. Of course, the location depends on the geological conditions of the areas, which will then inherently determine the depth of the wells. Volunteers from Europe will work alongside established experts and local tradespeople to construct the wells, ensuring that the money raised to pump water is being pumped straight into the economy.
10. How are the locations of the wells selected?
What Water works with communes that have a strong need case based on overpopulation and lack of access to water.
11. How will customers be able to monitor the impact of their donations?
The impact of our donations will be communicated in our annual report. What Water will also send periodic updates to members, donors and clients.
12. What was the criteria for choosing the artists to exhibit?
What Water is bringing together well-established and engaged artists from Cameroon and from Luxembourg for the event. What Water wants to ensure that our donors receive high quality investment opportunities; that’s why we have chosen internationally renowned artists such as Barthelemy Togo, who is a UNESCO ambassador, and Marco Godinho from Luxembourg who represented the country at the last Biennale di Venezia. Additionally, What Water will give a selection of upcoming artists an opportunity to grow their careers. A total of 20 artists will exhibit up to 60 pieces.
13. What type of art will be exhibited and sold
An intense and beautiful collection of paintings, photographs and sculptures around the theme : What Water ? – One for All.
14. What is the vision for What water in five years?
The vision is less about What Water, rather more about What Water can do. Water can revolutionize societies. What Water aims to reach 1 million people and establish local What Water chapters throughout Europe, allowing others to carry our vision with local art enthusiasts. In five years, we aim to start investing in sustainable water research that will allow technology to reach twice as many people with the same level of investment.
