Special topics October 2018 issue:
What does science gain from interaction and engagement with the arts?
Science-art collaboration is a meaningful way in which the sciences and arts can interact, and is often cited as the path towards innovation in our 21st century. In collaboration, artists gain special and intimate access to science and its processes. This leads to new ideas and new works. But what do scientists gain from interacting and engaging with artists? While the artistic products of science-art collaborations are the stuff of public exhibitions, how art influences science mostly comes in the form of word-of-mouth stories.
With interest in science-art collaboration on the rise, the need for funding follows. We exist in a funding landscape in which the sciences are still the largest supporters of science-art interactions, where art takes the form of science outreach and communication. But art can, and does, do more than that - what of science innovation? If scientists could write in artists on their grants as a means to increase the creative scientific capacity of their research and projects, cross-disciplinary work, and the potential it has to have deep and wide impact, could be more properly supported, and could go far beyond the "communication" and "outreach" levels.
I'd like to turn these word-of-mouth stories into a collection of evidence that anyone - whether writing a grant or arguing for the science-art connection or otherwise - can point to as illustrating a definitive account of the positive impact art can have on science. So my question to the community is: How has engagement with the arts or an artist led to innovation, breakthroughs, and insights in your science? From distinct "aha moments" to the simple gaining of a fresh perspective, how has art influenced your science?
We are seeking single or co-authored articles which show the specific and positive impact of art on science through case study examples for our special topics October issue. If you are interested in sharing your story, please visit our Contribute page for more details.
Deadline for submissions: September 1st