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“In shape no bigger than an agate-stone on the fore-finger of an alderman”“In shape no bigger than an agate-stone on the fore-finger of an alderman”View
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CoLab is an experiment that aims to find out what happens when you pair research scientists with Year 9-12 school art students, with the goal of inspiring new artworks that communicate scientific concepts and ideas. The students work directly with the scientists, including visiting their labs or field sites, and then create an artwork inspired by the scientific research. The artworks are then exhibited at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery during Beaker Street Festival.
What’s the point?
We have a few goals with CoLab, namely, to:
- Give art students real insight into what scientists do
- Present science to a diverse public audience in a way that’s innovative, engaging, and inclusive
- Give young artists opportunities for discovery, inspiration, creative challenges, and exposure to new audiences
- Give scientists opportunities to hone their communication skills and find new ways to present their research to the public
We’re also trying to help bridge the perceived gap between artists and scientists. We think artists and scientists have a lot more in common than many people expect — traits like creativity, innovativeness, and a willingness to experiment and take risks.
How does it work?
- Beaker Street invites expressions of interest from science PhD candidates and early-career researchers. We aim to choose scientific participants that represent a diversity of fields and backgrounds, and we ensure that all participants uphold our code of conduct for working with young people, and obtain a Working With Vulnerable People card (we’ll pay for it).
- Beaker Street invites expressions of interest from art students in Year 9-12. We aim to choose artistic participants from a variety of schools, giving priority to those who might benefit most from the opportunity.
- Beaker Street pairs one or two students with each scientist, and facilitates initial introductions and communications between the scientist-student pairs. The participants then independently find time to work together, including visiting labs or field sites when possible, to gain an in-depth understanding of the research and scientific process.
- The art students develop and create their work, within the general framework provided by Beaker Street and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. Aside from specific space and time limitations, the scope is fairly broad. Our main aim is to facilitate creativity. Participating students can access a small budget provided by Beaker Street for materials and transportation costs, if needed.
- Finally, the works are exhibited at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery in Hobart, as part of Beaker Street Festival. The participating students and scientists will be invited along to chat with the public about the work and the science that inspired it.
CoLab Case Study
Check out the story of CoLab project team Isobel and Miley (Taroona High School), Dr Beth Strain (IMAS University of Tasmania), and Artist Mentor Lucy Bleach
Project snapshot
CoLab unites students, scientists, and artists in unexpected and inspiring ways. Discover its impact in the video below.
Go ‘behind-the-science’
Join science communicator Zoe Kean as she uncovers the science that sparks creativity in our CoLab artists. Watch the full series now on our YouTube channel.
PROJECT GALLERY
THIS PROJECT IS CURRENTLY SUPPORTED BY:
The Fred P Archer Charitable Trust
THIS PROJECT IS PRESENTED BY:
