Science parallels art as a subject matter and a source of inspiration.
Here at TELUS World of Science, we are delighted to work with local artists who are interested in and inspired by science. You will see their artwork on the walls in the dome. Past displays have included work by Peter Holmes, Sharon Kallis, Jan de Beer, Andy Wright, Woonam Kim and famed pet photographer Pete Thorne. We also host an annual display of the Nikon Small World Photomicrography Competition winners, and hosted Art the Science’s RE:Composition digital art show.
Current Exhibits
Constructing the Intangible
In Plain Sight
Bronze Sculptures of Drs James Till and Ernest McCulloch
In Lindsay Kirker's Constructing the Intangible, urban construction sites become visual metaphors to represent our intrinsic connection with nature and need for innovation. As an artist, Kirker has worked with scientists on ideating different languages we can use in our approach to the environment and climate change.
In Plain Sight is a photojournalistic look at the lives and careers of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields, where they are often overlooked. Women are underrepresented in these fields and are rarely seen in the media as STEM professionals. Simon Fraser University’s WWEST program has developed this exhibition to further its mission to engage industry, the community and students to increase the awareness and participation of women and other under-represented groups in STEM fields of study and careers.
Opening March 4
Drs James Till and Ernest McCulloch were two Canadian scientists who pioneered the field of stem cell research with the discovery of a method to detect cells able to restore blood production in transplanted irradiated mice. This finding prompted the later identification of cells able to regenerate other tissues, including skin, muscle and brain. This has led to advances in research and treatment of cancer.
The bronze sculptures of Drs Till and McCulloch created by artist Ruth Abernethy, installed outside our entrance were a gift to Science World from STEMCELL Technologies Inc. to celebrate the 55th anniversary of the discovery of stem cells, a field of scientific study that is distinctly Canadian in origin. As a charitable organization, Science World values donations from the community to help promote science literacy across the province.
Till and McCulloch represent a proud moment in Canadian scientific history. These sculptures recognize Canadians as the forerunners of stem cell research. Their scientific research has been embraced and continues to be developed by researchers all over the world, such as the research by Dr Connie Eaves, of the BC Cancer Research Centre, who worked with Dr Till.
The bronze sculpture installation is also the perfect opportunity to initiate important dialogue about diversity in the scientific community and celebrate the proud moments of all Canadians. Young scientists from diverse backgrounds can engage with the piece on the three “empty” stools. Such an act can celebrate the past, challenge the present and look towards a brighter future. Till and McCulloch's pioneering stem cell research, and many other types of important scientific research, inspires scientists of diverse genders, ethnicities and experiences all over the world to use these discoveries to understand and conquer many human diseases that affect us all.
Artist Contact Form
We have space available throughout the year to display artwork that aligns with our mission to ignite wonder and empower dreams through science and nature. We are taking proposals from artists whose work:
Brings together art and science in a creative way
Uses art as a lens through which to examine, express, or experiment with scientific theories, processes or principles or;
Explores the human and social impact of science
We love work that sparks the curiosity of the public and invites questions and/or participation
2D and 3D works, digital art, as well as performance and time-based work will be considered
Fees
Honorariums are offered for both single artist and group shows. We also offer to host an opening reception with light refreshments provided by Science World, free to the public, on an evening in the first week of installation if the artist so chooses.
Timeframe
Displays typically range from about 8-16 weeks in length. We are booking for the 2019-2020 calendar years, dependent on space available.
If you are interested in your artwork being displayed, please fill out the form below.
Please note: Due to the volume of submissions, we are not able to respond to each one individually. Thank you so much for your interest, and we'll be in touch if there's a fit and a time we think will work!
