The EPA’s Artist in Residence (AIR) pilot initiative harnesses the power of arts and culture to address critical water quality challenges. Developed in response to President Biden’s Executive Order on Arts and Humanities (EO 14084), this program aims to make environmental issues more accessible and relevant to communities, particularly those that are economically distressed. Initially launched in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, the AIR pilot continues to support local artists and culture bearers in six National Estuary Program and Urban Waters Federal Partnership locations. By integrating creative expression with environmental efforts, the initiative seeks to deepen community connections to natural resources and strengthen water quality awareness.