Jane Richens and Brian Doherty, the convenors of the Paterson Allyn Williams Science and Ideas Hub, explain how they engage the community in and around Dungog with biodiversity issues through art and science.

What are the benefits of combining art with science when conveying ecological/scientific information?

Art and Science disciplines have developed different characteristic modes of engagement. Art often has flexible and unexpected outcomes and is at times associated with entertainment and pleasure.

In our experience delivering creative community programs that aim to build skills and knowledge through enjoyable and welcoming experiences, we find that people who may feel intimidated or inadequate when confronted with the rigorous expectations of science can be more comfortable when ideas are presented in an open-ended, social environment.

When artists meet scientists, they can redefine new ideas within science to re-conceptualise knowledge for new audiences. Some contemporary art practitioners for example are interested in working with the concepts as they explore ecology and science. Their skillsets can be used to ‘repackage’ science in engaging ways to diverse audiences.

When we talk about art disciplines and skills, we are referring to a very broad range of projects, such as site-specific installations, documentation from collaborations between artists and scientists, video works exploring ideas with art/science and can encompass sound, vision, language, digital technologies and immersive environments.

During the Covid lockdown period, we celebrated National Science Week with a series of online interactive events via Zoom which combined science with art practice. The first was a Masked Ball Dance Party with a theme and messaging around viruses and pandemics.

To our amazement, over 200 people attended this online party. They danced and interacted with the on screen artworks, with artists creating sound and voiceworks along with digital artworks. The event also featured interviews with a musician working with DNA sound and the ever popular Dr Karl.

These celebrations were followed by two other creative online events ‘Art+Science+Party’ which featured live science trivia activities interspersed with digital artworks, and microchats with artists working with science. Our guests included an artist working with data and artist creating kinetic sculpture using electromagnetic fields and sound. We were completely new to online events so had to experiment with our approaches that ended up giving us some terrific engagement results.

How has your particular approach helped you reach new audiences for ecology?

One of the problems ecologists and many other scientists face is preaching to the converted. Reaching new audiences is always difficult, for anyone with a message to share. Inspiring people to change their behaviour is even harder.

So we believed that it is important to start with an audience member’s needs or desires and then ‘open the doors’. We try and remove the barriers to entry by really understanding who we are trying to reach with an art/science project. Once these two conditions are met, new people feel welcome to come in.

For example, we might adopt artistic techniques such as creating a hands on experience to help to open the doors and remove barriers, particularly when there is engaging content in safe social spaces.

Both scientists and artists need to work on understanding the needs and desires of diverse audiences –  from those with science skills and knowledge through to the general public and family audiences.

In our Science and Ideas Hub, we tend to create programs with mixed target audiences. Some are especially designed for those with a desire to learn about very specific scientific data and information and others activities are designed for a more general engagement and social experience.

One event that we have held over several years is an event during the Aussie Backyard Bird Count week in October that has several parts. On the first evening, we present a talk with a member of the bird/science community along with a display of images from artists. The next morning, we lead a bird observation walk with bird scientists and artists to which the general community is invited. This is followed by a community breakfast to discuss observations and all things birds.

We find that by creating opportunities for social interaction, we increase engagement, participation and interactions between the artists, scientists and community members. Allowing our audiences to get involved by chatting and asking questions in a safe social setting works really well and creates an enjoyable learning experience.

What tips would you give an ecologist without a creative background who may be interested in finding new ways to communicate their science through the arts?

In our experience, the best outcomes for both scientists and artists will always come about through collaborations and putting an audience first. If you are alive to the needs and desires within a target audience you hope to engage with, and you can find an artist who is also interested in reaching that group, you will be able to give them something they want rather than something you want.

To get started we suggest that you:

• Get in contact with Inspiring Australia or a local Science Hub that has established connections to artists.
• Get to know artists who have displayed an interest related to your field.
• Brainstorm ideas in informal/social settings and have some fun together!
• Meet up for a coffee or visit an artist’s studio or working space to get to know their interests and skills.

Remember everyone wants to feel secure and respected, both the artist, the scientist and your audience, so take the time to find out who you are talking to, what their needs are and how you might deliver an experience or project that is relevant to their interests and one that they will enjoy. Good luck!

Jane Richens and Brian Doherty are convenors of the Paterson Allyn Williams Science and Ideas Hub based in Dungog. This interview was conducted by Jackie Randles.