Art

Science parallels art as a subject matter and a source of inspiration.

Here at Science World, 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, Jackie Dives, Pat Kane, Mark Igliolorte and Bettina Harvey. 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

Bákvḷá

Artist in Residence: Bettina Harvey

Bronze Sculptures of Drs James Till and Ernest McCulloch

Bákvḷá—a Heiltsuk word that loosely translates as “gathering food for winter”—is harvesting food in a good way, with a good heart and mind. It is sharing your harvest with those who can’t participate. It is being in intimate relationship with the land and sea, and knowing how, where, and when your food is harvested.

Developed from the dissertation of Vina Brown, a member of the Heiltsuk Nation and a PhD candidate, Bákvḷá explores a holistic approach to Heiltsuk food sovereignty and security.

For the Heiltsuk, food is medicine. Food security means maintaining and protecting not just their food system, but also protecting and strengthening their people and culture.

With stories of The Big House (Gvákva’áus Haíɫzaqv) and the arrival of herring (Wán ̓ái) which feeds everyone and everything on the Pacific Coast, Bákvḷá shows how food sustains the Heiltsuk; their connections with their territory, history, and knowledge systems—and, indeed, their very identity.

Bákvḷá is co-produced by the Heiltsuk Nation and co-curated by Frank Brown, Ayla Brown, and Vina Brown, as well as the Heiltsuk Nation, William Knight, and Canada Agriculture and Food Museum.

It is on display in our Atrium from July 15–Feb 20, 2023.

October 14, 2022 – February 27, 2023

Having been a professional gardener, Bettina Harvey is curious about the microscopic life that resides below the surface of the soil, and how these micro-organisms are crucial to the health of ecosystems. In her artist residency, Harvey will be responding to her backyard biodiversity study by engaging in scientific and community dialogue, and expanding her current practice. By drawing primarily from her microbial observations, she will be exploring themes of interconnection, perception, empathy, and resilience.

To celebrate the 55th anniversary of the discovery of stem cells—a discovery pioneered by Canadian scientists, Drs. James Till and Ernest McCulloch—STEMCELL Technologies Inc. gifted Science World with bronze sculptures of the scientists created by artist Ruth Abernethy.

As a charitable organization, we value donations from the community to help promote science literacy across the province.

These sculptures sit outside our entrance as a representation of a proud moment in Canadian scientific history, and a recognition of Canadians as the forerunners of stem cell research.

The findings of Drs. Till and McCulloch has led to advances in research and treatment of cancer 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.

Next to these sculptures are three "empty" stools denoting a space for scientists from all backgrounds to engage with this work; celebrating the past, challenging the present and looking towards a brighter future.

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 2022-24 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!

Artist Submission Form

Name*
First Last
Email*
Link to portfolio or social media*
Tell us a little about yourself, and what your work is about*
Consent
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Art

Included with admission.