When Science Meets Art

This project will involve a collaboration between art and science to create an environmental and cultural
portrait of the Shoalhaven River Valley.

When Science Meets Art: An Environmental Portrait of the Shoalhaven River Valley

This three year ARC Linkage project is a collaboration between Macquarie University and industry partners Bundanon Trust and the Australia Council. The project – involving artist Nigel Helyer, environmental scientist Mark Taylor, and researchers John Potts and Mark Evans - involves the creation of an interactive audio-visual portrait of the region, incorporating both a representation of the natural environment and its cultural history. Scientific readings of the land, water, even the paint in Arthur Boyd’s studio, are transformed in art works to create an environmental portrait of the area.

This project will create new knowledge of the region and its histories due to the innovative research method combining art, environmental science and cultural history. This will be communicated through the project’s multiple outputs of art installations, mobile audio-visual tour of the area using GPS coverage, web access for offsite virtual visitors, public programs including research seminars, workshops and artist talks, and publications.