Futures of Listening: Water Knowledge from Two Cities seeks to create a compassionate platform for amplifying water knowledge from vulnerable communities in Kampung Kalibata Pulo (Jakarta) and Şahintepe (Istanbul). These areas face persistent water-related challenges, including flooding, water scarcity, sanitation issues, and the effects of inadequate or maladaptive water policies, all exacerbated by the climate crisis. Despite their vulnerability, these marginalised urban communities are often excluded from government-led water policy design and implementation.

In collaboration with Urban.Koop (Istanbul) and Forum Lenteng (Jakarta), the project adopts an interdisciplinary approach, integrating expertise in hydrology, water security, sound studies, participatory and experimental filmmaking, urban governance, asset-based community development, and urban design. This innovative methodology examines the disconnect between current policies and the lived experiences of these communities. It also explores how their local knowledge, along with their socio-economic, cultural, and emotional ties to water, can inform and influence more inclusive and effective water policy frameworks.