Art meets Science

Art & Science

The relationship between art and science has been profound and multifaceted throughout history. In ancient times, art formed the basis for thinking about life and inspired further research. Similarly, scientific discoveries have inspired many forms and movements of art.

Art and science also have much in common. Both offer a perspective on reality and stem from creativity and association. Experimentation and failure are essential elements of both scientific research and art. Both scientists and artists are driven by curiosity and wonder.

Free Creation

This project goes beyond typical Art-Science collaborations by giving participating artists and scientists maximum freedom:

• Participants choose who they want to collaborate with
• The collaboration can take any form desired
• There is total freedom in what or how things are created

We keep the creative process as open and flexible as possible so that participants can freely explore, experiment, and innovate. The only limitations in this project are time and money: participation is on one's own time, and there is no financial compensation. Participants thus engage in an organic process without knowing exactly what will happen.

Co-Creation

The festive kick-off of the project took place in February 2024 during an inspiring gathering on campus. After that, matchmaking could begin. Artists and scientists found each other during speed-dating sessions, a joint potluck, digital bulletin boards, personal exchanges, etc. The result: 22 artist-scientist matches, ranging from 2 to 7 people per group. Not all matches held up, and currently about 19 groups (a total of 47 participants) are working on an artwork.

We regularly organise mutual meetings to exchange experiences and showcase what everyone is working on. These are always enjoyable and inspiring encounters.

Research

This project also has a research component. The research is exploratory in nature, differing from other Science Shop projects that usually start from a specific research question.

The research questions and activities are determined along the way based on the interests and ideas that arise among participants. We do this in a participatory manner using creative and playful brainstorming sessions.
Based on input and discussions during these evenings, the following research questions have been formulated:

• How do Sci-Art collaborations unfold?
• What is the value of such collaborations (for artists and researchers, but also for WUR and platform BKW)?
• How can such collaborations be best set up and facilitated?

It is important that the research is not separate from the whole but benefits the participants' process. We ensure that research methods do not disrupt but rather stimulate the creative process. Parallel to the exchange meetings, we organise additional reflection meetings to feed the research. We utilise creative methodologies such as free writing, sharing circles, reflection with images, group discussions, and 3D modelling.

We jump into the rabbit hole: Shared curiosity and the desire to explore together lead to a journey of co-creation and discovery on various levels.

Exhibition

The results of this adventure will be presented to the public at two different times and locations: the Campus and the City.

What the artworks will look like is still largely a question mark but it is clear that there will be a rich diversity of works ranging from 2D to 3D, installations, virtual works, performances, and interactive art—definitely worth a visit!