About Science in Salamanca

Science in Salamanca is a community celebration of art and science.

Scientific research and artistic inspiration happen every day at Salamanca, but are not always readily accessible to the public. Although art and science are often seen to be diametrically opposed, in fact, they are historically linked, and the idea of bringing these two supposedly opposite disciplines together into a festival is challenging to the intellect and exciting to the imagination!

The Festival has five scientific themes related to the locality (climate change, marine ecology, Antarctica, genetics and nutrition), and utilises the expertise of Tasmanian scientists from CSIRO Marine Research and the University of Tasmania in collaboration with local artists and students.

Through the selected scientific themes, the aesthetics of science and scientific data will be highlighted, and the visitor will gain an increased awareness of the processes involved in scientific research and artistic interpretation. Using the Arts as a communication tool will stimulate thought on issues that affect daily life, resulting in a better-informed community and the adoption of new social values, which would not be possible using scientific facts alone. By building links, we break down barriers and find hidden synergies…

…visitors to Science in Salamanca will understand that, far from being worlds apart, art and science are closely linked through observation, imagination, creativity, communication and evaluation, leading to discovery, vision and new ideas.

You can be part of Science in Salamanca by;

1. Taking up the challenge of the Science in Salamanca quest and follow the science/art trail linking the festival venues.
2. Visit the exhibitions and participate in festival activities.
3. If you’re a student you can create a multimedia presentation, an artwork or participate in science drama (you can participate through your school or as an individual).
4. If you’re an independent artist you can produce your own artistic interpretation of the science themes through an artist book (contact Caroline Sutton on ph 62325386 or caroline.Sutton@marine.csiro.au)