Arizona Tour 2018-2020

This is the companion web site for the Arizona tour of Water/Ways, a traveling exhibition from the Smithsonian Institution. The Smithsonian has partnered with Arizona Humanities, Walton Sustainability Solutions Initiatives, and the School of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies at Arizona State University to bring the exhibit to Arizona. Water/Ways will tour 12 Arizona rural communities starting in June 2018 and will conclude in March 2020.

Water/Ways explores the endless motion of the water cycle, its effect on landscape, settlement and migration, and its impact on culture and spirituality. It looks at political and economic efforts to ensure access to water, and explores how human creativity and resourcefulness provide new ways to protect water resources and renew our relationship with the natural environment.

Designed for small-town museums, libraries and cultural organizations, Water/Ways will serve as a community meeting place to convene conversations about water’s impact on American culture. Towns will develop complementary exhibits, host public programs, and facilitate educational initiatives to deepen people’s understanding about what water means culturally, socially and spiritually in their own community.

This website will serve as an information source for the latest details on the Arizona tour of Water/Ways, and will also house digital resources and exhibits paired with the exhibit. Be sure to check out the Events and News pages for information.

"Water does not resist. Water flows. When you plunge your hand into it, all you feel is a caress. Water is not a solid wall, it will not stop you. But water always goes where it wants to go, and nothing in the end can stand against it. Water is patient. Dripping water wears away a stone. Remember that, my child. Remember you are half water. If you can't go through an obstacle, go around it. Water does."

--Margaret Atwood, The Penelopiad

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