SMQB is proud to have an Artists in Residence programme, established in 2020. Each year a group of artists with a range of skills, backgrounds and creative expertise, work with one of our ‘Seedcorn’ projects.
They collaborate with scientists to bring new perspectives and insights into the research project, while leading on creative outputs where they transform and interpret current research into artform. The project culminates in a showcase where artists and researchers present their final collaborative works, demonstrating the power and beauty in combining art and science to engage others in discussion about health experiences and cross-disciplinary innovation.
Upcoming Events
When Art Meets Science: Exploring Art-Science Collaborations
Date: 19th February 2025
Time: 6.30-8pm BST
The 2024-2025 SMQB/N-CODE artists in residence will take part in an online webinar discussing their experiences of the collaborations with scientists and about the intriguing links between art & science more generally.
Join us for an insightful public webinar featuring a panel discussion with artists exploring the dynamic intersection of art and science: Alexandra Davenport, Andee Collard, Charlotte Dunn, Christie Swallow, Dan Auluk and Tom Ellis. These six artists have all been collaborating with scientists on research projects linked to health questions. For example, Charlotte Dunn has been developing seizure forecast weather reports, combining data analysis with creative expression. Christie Swallow, an artist and designer specializing in textiles and spatial design, has been working on visualizing fMRI data through 3D spatial models, aiming to create large-scale textile installations based on brain topologies.
This webinar offers a unique opportunity to delve into their collaborative experiences, shedding light on how interdisciplinary partnerships can lead to innovative outcomes. Don't miss this chance to gain insights into the fusion of artistic creativity and scientific research.
Register your place
Frames of Discovery: An Evening of Art and Science at Centrala
Date: 7th March 2025 (Digbeth First Friday)
Time: 6-9pm BST
Location: Centrala, Unit 4, Minerva Works, 158 Fazeley St, Birmingham B5 5RT
Join us for an exciting evening at Centrala as we unveil "Frames of Discovery," a one-night-only art event featuring innovative works from six artists who have collaborated with University of Birmingham scientists and wider research collaborators. This unique event features film, animation, paintings, drawings and more, delving into discovery science on topics as diverse as epilepsy, psychosis, acute compartment syndrome, depression, natural movement infants and memory removal.
Featured Artists:
- Charlotte Dunn will show a series of video installations that blend meteorological visuals with neurological data to depict the unpredictability of epileptic seizures.
- Christie Swallow presents neurological topographies through textile artworks that transform fMRI data from people experiencing psychosis into intricate fabric landscapes.
- Alexandra Davenport will show work combining visual pairings and transcripts from her collaboration, mirroring the repetitive nature of both human and machine learning to explore the process of active forgetting.
- Tom Ellis unveils new stop-motion animation featuring interviews with acute compartment syndrome patients and striking visuals to explore this painful and complex condition through a human-centred narrative.
- Dan Auluk will share a poignant film weaving together deeply personal accounts of living with depression alongside contributions from other artists to offer a multifaceted exploration of this complex condition.
- Andee Collard will be showing a series of drawings and paintings drawing on innovative AI-driven video editing techniques being used to explore naturalistic movement in infants.
"Frames of Discovery" promises to be an evening of inspiration and curiosity, with opportunity to chat with the artists and scientists involved.
Entry is free and refreshments are available upon arrival.