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 were first presented to the public at the end of 2024 in the old auditorium of the WUR, Visum Mundi. The exhibition on display for a short period but very well-attended and received many positive reactions.

To strengthen the connection between the city of Wageningen and WUR, the Art meets Science exhibition will also come to the campus in 2025! Starting June 2, the exhibition will be on display all summer long at Impulse, until August 29. The festive opening will be held on Monday, June 2 at 5:00 PM.

Month of Art@WUR

At a time when both art and science face challenging circumstances, the Art meets Science exhibition celebrates the power of extraordinary collaborations. Art meets Science is also a call to artists and scientists to connect more often—not only to illustrate each other’s work but to jointly develop new ways of thinking, feeling, and understanding; to ask different questions; and to look at familiar problems from a new perspective. Especially in turbulent times, art and science together can offer a powerful and unifying response.

To highlight the importance of such collaborations, we’re declaring June the Month of Art@WUR. During this month, we invite everyone to the campus to explore the fertile ground between art, creativity, and science. So come join the creative workshops, documentaries, dialogues, and lunch concerts, and get inspired. Everyone is welcome!

For a complete overview of the activities and to register, visit Expositions, concerts and workshops.

The Art meets Science exhibition can be viewed from June 2 to August 29, 2025, in the Impulse building (Stippeneng 2, Wageningen).