Water Narratives

We invite you to experience video selections from this dynamic water narratives event (October 26, 2023). While addressing critical water challenges facing Arizona, the Southwest region and the globe, this multimedia experience featured a variety of narrative approaches that can inspire and create positive impact.

This event highlighted exceptional works created by students in consultation with faculty who explored water issues and compelling ways to express them. It featured a unique format that brought together six Arizona State University courses from both the College of Global Futures and the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts to both gain knowledge and apply creative craft. Water Narratives presented a selection of the best works in a variety of formats, including musical pieces, digital sound, video, photo art, theater and dance, as well as live performance.

Support provided by ASU's Impact Water–Arizona, a core program of the Arizona Water Innovation Initiative, courtesy of Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust.

Watch a sampling of the content below.

Why is storytelling so important?

We asked students of varying disciplines this very question. Watch the video to hear their inspiring answers.

Live Performances:

What do you know about water?

We asked children and adults the same questions about water. Their answers may surprise you.

Anthropocene Dance

Water Seekers from Rachel Bowditch’s show Anthropocene perform a thrilling dance in celebration of water.

Water Improvisation

Students Celia Yang, Julie Krause and Sarah Jones recreate the sounds of a monsoon using various water instruments.

Student Interviews:

Gbemileke Anthony

Gbemileke Anthony talks about her narrative nonfiction piece, “My Journey to Discovering the Truth about Lake Chad.”

Kayla Jackson

Kayla Jackson talks about her narrative nonfiction piece, “Falling Bridges.”

Jake Swanson

Jake Swanson talks about his narrative nonfiction piece, “Jugs.”

Michelle Downey

Michelle Downey talks about her advertisements, “Reflections.”

Luke Ramsey-Wiegmann

Luke Ramsey-Wiegmann talks about his art charts, “A Portrait of Community Compositions on the Salt River.”

Iniobong Obong

Iniobong Obong talks about her sound, “Water Across the Equator.”

James Cobb

James Cobb talks about his narrative nonfiction piece, entitled “Railheart.”

Expert Insights:

Melissa Nelson and Amber Wutich

These two faculty experts share their insights on water issues and meaning.